EP0025754A1 - Method and arrangement for encouraging the return of a rolling vehicle, such as a supermarket shopping trolley - Google Patents

Method and arrangement for encouraging the return of a rolling vehicle, such as a supermarket shopping trolley Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0025754A1
EP0025754A1 EP80401278A EP80401278A EP0025754A1 EP 0025754 A1 EP0025754 A1 EP 0025754A1 EP 80401278 A EP80401278 A EP 80401278A EP 80401278 A EP80401278 A EP 80401278A EP 0025754 A1 EP0025754 A1 EP 0025754A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
vehicle
installation according
gate
installation
carriage
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP80401278A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0025754B1 (en
Inventor
Guy Gillet
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
SUPERMARKET SYSTEMS
Original Assignee
SUPERMARKET SYSTEMS
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Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from FR7922835A external-priority patent/FR2465279A1/en
Priority claimed from FR8013884A external-priority patent/FR2485232B2/en
Application filed by SUPERMARKET SYSTEMS filed Critical SUPERMARKET SYSTEMS
Priority to AT80401278T priority Critical patent/ATE3915T1/en
Publication of EP0025754A1 publication Critical patent/EP0025754A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0025754B1 publication Critical patent/EP0025754B1/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/06—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles
    • G07F7/0618—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles by carts
    • G07F7/0636—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles by carts in which the trolleys or carts are kept in a restricted zone such as a coral-like enclosure, or are passing a gate before use is possible
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/06—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles
    • G07F7/0618—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles by carts
    • G07F7/0627—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles by carts in which the trolleys or carts are kept fixed or linked onto a rail or barrier

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method and an installation for encouraging the return of trolleys in a supermarket.
  • the method according to the invention in addition to its effectiveness against fraud, allows the user who has inadvertently engaged his trolley in the receiving area, to remove it without difficulty, which could not be obtained with known installations, in which the beginning of the engagement of the trolley in the reception area resulted in its blocking and the impossibility of its removal.
  • the first identification being carried out
  • the first and the second identifications are carried out by optical detection of determined geometrical characteristics of the carriage being restored.
  • the identification of the carriage is carried out by a measurement carried out on the latter, during the relative movement of the carriage and of an appropriate identification assembly.
  • the first and second identifications are carried out by counting a number of vertical or substantially vertical bars of the carriage.
  • the counting of the bars is carried out only on one side of the carriage, which avoids identification errors in the case where the carriage is incorrectly inserted.
  • the invention also relates to an installation for implementing the above process for the return of carts or the like in a closed reception area, with access controlled by a retractable and possibly lockable barrier.
  • This installation comprises at least a first trolley recognition equipment, located upstream of a device access control or barrier, a second equipment for recognizing the trolley, located between the first i-dantification equipment and the access control device, possibly a lock for immobilizing the access control device in position d 'prohibition of access (lock whose opening is controlled by the first recognition equipment), a device control system, in particular of the barrier or gate allowing the latter to be retracted only downstream and its recall in the initial position prohibiting access, a member sensitive to the closed position of the barrier and a set of controls for the correct sequential flow of operations controlling the distributor of the means of proof.
  • the first and second recognition equipment respectively comprise an infrared ray device whose transmitter and receiver are arranged on either side of the access 2 to the reception area , so that, in the case of an openwork carriage, this carriage is recognized by ur, counting of the bars constituting one of the lateral flanks of the chaciot.
  • the transmitter and the receiver of each infrared ray equipment are offset in height one relative to the other so that the emitted ray is inclined relative to the horizontal reference plane on which moves the cart to the receiving area, one of the cell elements being located higher than the top edge on one side of the cart, while the other cell element is located lower than the top edge on the side of the carriage.
  • the invention provides, to take into account only the bars of the carriage on one side thereof, that the top element of the infrared ray device is located higher than the edge of the larger carriage, while the bottom element of said device is below the edge of the minimum carriage.
  • the transmitter and the receiver of each device are mounted in an adjustable manner in height on a support. substantially vertical to allow their adaptation according to the types of carriages to be checked.
  • a pair of infrared cell devices is associated with a group for counting the signals emitted by the receiving cells, this arrangement avoiding fraud consisting for example in moving the trolley according to successive back and forth movements in front of the cells suitable for operating the opening of the door to the reception area.
  • a trolley receiving area has an access corridor to which are connected on either side of the tubular elements forming part of an enclosure limiting said area.
  • the area or airlock for access to the reception area is limited by two lateral boxes 5 and 6 parallel to each other and connected to their upper rear parts by a transverse box 7, the assembly having, in horizontal projection, the form d 'a U.
  • the boxes 5 and 6 as well as the box 7, of generally parallelepiped shape can be made in any suitable manner, in particular from folded sheet steel, or include a metal framework like that which is represented in FIG. 2 , covered with a covering hiding and protecting the internal organs.
  • the assembly is fixed to the ground by lower fixing gussets 9.
  • a bowl 11 placed at the outlet of a chute and intended to receive a ticket issued by the machine after the user has introduced his cart into the reception area.
  • the chute is attached to a ticket distributor 12 comprising conventionally a drive motor which advances step by step a roll of paper pre-glued, a tin guillo- p cutting the paper to release a ticket for each operation, the ticket then being evacuated by the chute towards the user.
  • This ticket dispenser 12 which is not shown in detail because it is well known, is fixed inside the box 6, in a place inaccessible to the user, on a plate 13 bolted to the frame and intended also to receive electronic components used for the operation of the installation and which have been referenced SC.
  • the airlock to the reception area is normally closed by two gates 14 pivotally mounted by their outer edge around vertical axes which can open, from their closed position where their internal edges are joined, only downstream, as shown by the arrows F 1 , F 2 °
  • a control mechanism contained in one of the boxes 5 or 6.
  • each gate is constituted by a bent U-shaped tube fixed on a vertical shaft 15 rotatably supported in bearings 16 1 , 16 2 mounted on supports 17 1 , 17 2 fixed to the frame of the box 6 or 5.
  • a return spring 18 At the upper end of the shaft 15 is hooked a return spring 18 whose other end 19 is in abutment against a fixed part of the frame. This spring automatically returns the gate, when it has been opened, to the closed position shown in FIG. 2.
  • a damping device which is wedged on the shaft 15 and simply constituted ( Figures 5 and 6) by a disc 21 of flexible material , such as rubber, sandwiched between a sleeve 22 fixed by a screw shown diagrammatically at 24 on the shaft 15 and an upper disc 23, the discs 23 and the sleeve 22 being secured by screws.
  • the outer edge of the rubber disc 21 is in constant abutment against an edge 25 of a small cubic block 26 of the fixed frame, so that these two elements rub against each other when the gate closes, the shaft 15 then turning in the direction of the arrow f 2 ( Figure 6).
  • the gate 14 can be kept in the closed position by means of a lock device which is shown in detail in FIG. 4.
  • a part 27 On the lower end of the shaft 15 is wedged a part 27, in the form of a sector. , pierced with holes 28.
  • This part 27 is located under a support 29a fixed to the frame 30 of the box and carrying an electromagnet 29 whose movable core 31 is slidably engaged inside a hole in the support 29a and is capable of projecting downwards by penetrating into one of the holes 28 of the part 27 secured to the shaft 15.
  • a stop 31a, located under the part 27, makes it possible to limit the stroke of the core 31.
  • Boxes 5 and 6 are also provided on the framework fixed switches 32 which are actuated by the gates when they pivot and which act as detectors for the presence of the gates.
  • the opposite faces 33 and 33 'of the two boxes 5 and 6 have openings, respectively 35.36, 35', 36 '( Figure 1) each closed by a plexiglass panel (methyl methacrylate), letting pass the infrared rays , thus concealing the interior of the boxes from users. Behind these panels are housed transmitters and receivers that are part of infrared ray devices.
  • Each device comprises a transmitter 37 and a receiver 38, respectively 37 1 and 38 1 (FIG. 2) behind the openings 35 and 35 ', and 37 2 and 38 2 behind the openings 36 and 36'.
  • Each transmitter and each receiver are mounted to slide on a vertical column, respectively 39, 39 ', disposed between .supports 40, 41 fixed to the fixed frame of the installation. This arrangement makes it possible to adjust the height of each transmitter and each receiver.
  • each transmitter and each receiver are also adjustable by rotation about a horizontal axis A parallel to the mean longitudinal plane of the installation. This double possibility of adjusting the position of the transmitter and receiver allows, on the one hand, an adaptation of the installation to different trolley sizes, as seen with reference to FIG. 3, and, on the other hand part, to make a determination of the nature of the carriage only on one side thereof.
  • FIG. 3 there is shown in solid lines the carriage of smaller size and in broken lines the carriage of maximum size.
  • the carriage C (FIG. 7) has sides or sides formed by vertical or substantially vertical bars B.
  • the transmitter 37 1 is placed at a higher level of the distance H l than the upper edge of the maximum gauge carriage and the receiver 38 1 is placed at a lower level of the distance from H 2 than that of the upper edge of the smaller trolley.
  • the spokes emitted by the emitter tor 37 1 to the receiver 38 1 meet only one side of a carriage C whose gauge is between the maximum gauge carriage and the minimum gauge carriage.
  • the indicator V 1 (green) is on for the entire duration of the cycle and does not go out accordingly until the ticket is issued.
  • V 2 indicator When the V 2 indicator is red, this is a sign of the installation's out-of-service condition. - When the V 3 indicator is red, this indicates the need to refill the machine with a paper roll. to tickets.
  • a fourth indicator can also be provided which, when it is red, signals that the reception area can no longer receive a new carriage.
  • the gates 14, previously locked in the closed position are unlocked by the excitation electromagnets 29 of the locks; the cores 31 are attracted and thus release the part 2 ⁇ integral with the shaft 15.
  • the unlocking of the gates is controlled by the association of the two detection systems, this is ie 37 1 , 38 1 on the one hand, and 37 2 , 38 2 on the other.
  • the gates being unlocked it suffices that the user continues to advance his carriage to push the gates downstream of the installation and thus open them.
  • the switches 32 for controlling the presence of the gates in the closed position then change state and allow the validation of the second transceiver device 37 2 , 38 2 which begins counting the vertical bars B of the carriage.
  • the number of bars counted by the second device reaches a predetermined value, recorded beforehand in the installation and corresponding to the second identification of the cart, the user just has to keep moving the cart forward so that it escapes completely to the gates and that they can return to the closed position under the effect of the return springs 18.
  • the cart is now inside the receiving area.
  • the gates by closing, control the switches 32 which authorize the locking of the gates by excitations of the electromagnets 29 of the door locks.
  • the entire operating cycle of the installation involves time delays which make it possible to control the times relating to the completion of each phase of progression of the carriage.
  • the back and forth of the same carriage are controlled by the first device which resumes counting and therefore reaches a predetermined number of counted bars for which the blocking of the process of issuing the ticket is triggered.
  • a user who mistakenly engaged a carriage between the doors can remove it as long as the carriage has not been fully engaged and the doors have not closed. However, in this case, the installation does not issue a ticket.
  • the installation includes a totalizing counter with reset, making it possible to count the number of tickets distributed.
  • the numbers 1 to 11 represent the various phases of operation in their succession over time.
  • the numbers on the left side of the table indicate, in succession in ascending order, the different stages of operation.
  • the framed indications linked to a number by a line schematize the operations of the stage designated by this number.
  • the indications located between two consecutive digits relate to the operations carried out between two stages of the process, or inter-stage operations.
  • a - Step n ° 1 it corresponds to the start of the cycle, when the installation is in the position of figure 1, suitable for receiving a carriage.
  • V light green is on, meaning "insert your cart”.
  • B - Inter-step 1.2 the user begins to introduce his cart into the access airlock and the front of his cart causes the first occultation of the first infrared ray device 37 1 -38 1 , leading to departure authorization of the cycle.
  • IF is the indication of the validation of the previous step, each step must be validated before carrying out the next step. In the present case, the validation consists in verifying that the LED V 1 is indeed lit.
  • the indicator V 1 remains on.
  • X 1 represents the predetermined number of bars pre-recorded in the installation which must be counted at least by the device comprising the cells 37 1 , 38 1 in a predetermined time.
  • FT 1 represents the end of the time delay attached to the first count which must be completed before going to the next stage.
  • S 2 represents the validation of the operation of step 2.
  • LT 2 represents the start of the timing for the end of the first counting, timing during which the first occultation of the brush of infrared rays emitted by the transmitter 37 2 towards the receiver 38 2 must occur.
  • FT 2 indicates the end of the time delay concerning the time interval separating the end of the first count and the first occultation, by the front end of the carriage, of the brush of infrared rays emitted by the transmitter 37 2 towards the receiver 38 2 .
  • the gates are unlocked but the user has not opened them.
  • the switches 32 symbolized by g 1 and g 2 , have not yet changed state.
  • S 3 represents the validation of the previous step.
  • d 2 represents the first occultation of the brush of infrared rays emitted by the transmitter 37 2 towards the receiver 38 2 .
  • the gates control transistors TG 1 , TG 2 remain actuated.
  • the time delay (LT 3 ) for the start of the second count is started.
  • the first count C 1 (arrow down) is reset to zero.
  • X 2 represents the predetermined number of bars that must. be counted at least by the second device 37 2 , 38 2 for a predetermined time.
  • FT 3 represents the end of the timing of the second count, which must be carried out before going to the next stage.
  • the switches 32 have changed state, which is materialized by ( g 1 + g 2) .
  • S 4 indicates the validation of the previous step.
  • LT 4 indicates the start of the time delay at the end of the second count, time delay during which the gates must close.
  • TG 1 , TG 2 indicate that the gate control transistors remain actuated, the gates being open.
  • J - Inter-step 5.6 the carriage having passed completely, the gates are closed by actuating the switches 32 which change state and close, which is shown by g 1 .g 2 .
  • X 1 indicates that the delivery of the coupon is blocked in the case of a new score produced by the first device comprising the transmitter 37 1 and the receiver 372.
  • FT 4 represents the end of the time delay relating to the time interval which must elapse between the end of the second count and the moment when the switches 32 close.
  • LT 5 indicates the start of the time delay between the closing of the gates and the start of the advance of the paper delivered by the dispenser 12.
  • FT 5 signals the end of the time delay between the closing of the gates and the start of the advance paper delivered by the dispenser 12.
  • S 6 indicates the validation of the previous step.
  • IT 6 indicates the simultaneous start of the paper advance delay.
  • S 7 indicates the validation of the previous step.
  • Step 8 the paper feed is interrupted, which is symbolized by TA.
  • the time delay LT 7 between the end of the paper advance and the start of the slicing operation thereof is started.
  • FT 7 signals the end of the time delay between the end of paper feed and the start of slicing.
  • S 8 indicates the validation of the operation of step 8.
  • LT 8 indicates the start of the time delay for the cutter.
  • FT 8 represents the end of the time delay for the routing of the paper cutting device.
  • S 9 signals the validation of the operations of step 9.
  • TC indicates that the paper cutter and the ticket counter are disconnected.
  • LT 9 signals the start of the timer for paper control.
  • S 10 indicates the validation of the operations of the previous step.
  • FT 9 indicates the end of the paper control timeout.
  • a new operating cycle can be started.
  • the invention provides a variant in which, depending on the chosen ticket or coupon dispenser, a single pulse is used to issue the coupon, which makes it possible to disregard the launch of the paper cutter operations.
  • FIG 9 there is schematically shown part of an installation for the return of a cart 110, provided at the entrance to a storage area of the carriages 110, to which the public does not have access. It comprises a gantry delimiting an opening for introducing the carriages into the storage area, and which is formed by two vertical pillars 111 spaced apart > by a distance greater than the width of a carriages 110 and connected to their upper end by a horizontal transverse upright 112 comprising a certain number of indicator lights 113 for signaling the progress of the various operations executed by the installation and its operating state.
  • the installation comprises a barrier or a gate with two flaps 114 normally closing the access to the storage area and which are intended to be opened by a trolley 110 pushed by a user under the gantry 111,112.
  • Various means of recognizing a carriage 110 are provided upstream of the gate 114 and are generally sequential, so as to execute a certain number of operations for identifying the carriage, in a determined order, when the carriage is pushed against the gate 114. If these operations are carried out in the determined order and advantageously within a determined period of time, they control the operation of a ticket dispenser housed in one of the pillars 111 and delivering a ticket through a slot 115 of the front of this pillar. This ticket entitles the user, who has returned his cart 110 to the storage area, to a reward or advantage of any kind.
  • At least one of the means for recognizing the carriage 110 is a photoelectric cell of the so-called "reflection" type comprising a housing 116 containing, side by side, an emitter of radiation of determined wavelength, for example infrared radiation, and a receiving element for the detection of said radiation after reflection thereof on a reflector 117.
  • the housing 116 is mounted on the lower horizontal face of the transverse upright 112, and the reflector 117 is on the ground, in the passage of the carriage 110, being vertically aligned with the housing 116.
  • the installation comprises a gantry 111, 112 of the same type as above, and the box 116 containing the photoelectric cell with reflection is placed, no longer on the transverse upright 112, but on the face internal 118 of one of the pillars 111, while the reflector 117 is carried by one of the side walls of the carriage 110, the housing 116 and the reflector 117 being at the same height above the ground.
  • the box 116 is used without associating it with a particular reflector, and this are different parts of the carriage 110, when it is opposite the housing 116, which play the role of reflector.
  • At least one of the means for recognizing a carriage is a metal detector 119, of a conventional type, which is mounted on a leaf 114 of the gate.
  • each leaf 114 carries a metal detector 119.
  • the carriage 110 is pushed on the leaves 114 of the gate, its front part comes substantially into contact with the detectors 119, which take into account the presence of the carriage.
  • the metal detectors 119 remain substantially in contact with certain parts of the side walls of the carriage, and take into account the passage of said carriage under the transverse upright 112 of the gantry.
  • the invention also provides for having, behind the gantry 111, 112, an automatic drive or conveying means for the trolley.
  • the conveyor comprises two horizontal belts 121 with notched outer surface 122 which extend from the gantry 111, 112, shown in phantom, on either side of the passage for introducing the trolley 110 in the storage area.
  • the belts 121 pass over a drive wheel 123 fixed to a vertical drive shaft itself driven from a motor, for example electric, by means of a pinion system 124 and belts 125.
  • the belts 121 pass around a deflection wheel carried by a vertical shaft, the end bearings 126 of which are guided in curved slots 127 and are subjected to the action of return springs tending to bring the from one another the rear ends of the belts 121, so that these define a guide path for the carriage 110 which is wider at its entry end of the carriage than at its exit end of said carriage.
  • the distance separating the two notched belts 121 at the level of the gantry 111, 112 is greater than the greatest width of a carriage 110, while the minimum distance separating these two belts at their opposite end is substantially equal to the smallest width of a cart.
  • This device operates as follows: when a carriage 110 is brought under the gantry 111, 112, the trolley identification means provided in the gantry control the starting of the conveyor, the belts 121 being driven by the driving wheels 123 in the direction indicated by the arrows 128.
  • the front end of the carriage comes into contact with the facing surfaces of the toothed belts 121, and the carriage is driven automatically, in the direction of arrow 129, until it leaves the conveyor. This then stops automatically.
  • the conveyor comprises a single belt 130 passing at its ends on rollers 131 and 132 with a horizontal axis, carried by a frame slightly raised relative to the ground 133.
  • the roller 132 is a roller leading, driven by means of a belt 134 by a motor 135, while the other roller 131 is a simple deflection roller.
  • the belt 130 for driving a carriage 110 comprises from place to place on its outer face perpendicular fingers 136 intended to cooperate with a front transverse bar 137 of the lower part of the carriage, to drive the latter in the direction of the arrow 138.
  • the belt 130 is preceded by an inclined plane 139 and is followed by another inclined plane 140, facilitating the bringing of the carriage 110 on the conveyor, and its evacuation at the outlet of the conveyor.
  • the gantry provided at the entrance to the storage area is replaced by two vertical pillars 141 comprising means for identifying the carriage 110, and the leaves 142 of a gate.
  • Two other vertical pillars 143 can be provided inside the storage area, on either side of the conveyor, to control the stopping of this conveyor.
  • the passage of the carriage in front of the vertical pillars 141 controls the starting of the conveyor and the drive of the belt 130, a finger 136 of which abuts on the lower transverse bar 137 of the front of the carriage, and drives the carriage in the direction of the arrow 138.
  • the carriage 110 passes between the two other vertical pillars 143, it for example cuts the supply beam of a photoelectric cell which then controls the stopping of the conveyor, with a more or less significant time delay depending on the arrangement of the pillars 143 relative to the end of the conveyor.
  • the carriage is evacuated by the inclined plane 140 at the outlet of the conveyor.

Abstract

1. A method of encouraging the return of a rolling vehicle, such as a supermarket trolley, to a reception area which comprises an access control means, the method consisting in carrying out several checks on the identity of the vehicle when it passes through the access control means, and after checking issuing a reward, for example in the form of a ticket, characterised in that the access control means comprising at least one gate (14, 114) located at the entrance of the reception area, a first check of the identity of the vehicle (C, 110) is carried out upstream of the gate, then a second check of the identity of the vehicle as it passes through the gate (14, 114) while allowing the vehicle (C, 110) to be withdrawn during this passage, the gate (14, 114) is allowed to return to its closing condition after the passage, and the issue of a ticket is only ordered if the second check confirms the first check and the vehicle (C, 110) has not been withdrawn during the passage through the gate (14, 114).

Description

La présente invention a pour objet un procédé et une installation pour encourager la restitution des chariots dans un supermarché.The present invention relates to a method and an installation for encouraging the return of trolleys in a supermarket.

On sait que, dans un supermarché, chaque acheteur dispose d'un chariot, qu'il pousse devant lui, et dans lequel il dispose les objets qu'il choisit sur les rayons qui bordent les allées de circulation; après quoi l'acheteur se présente avec son chariot devant une caisse où il acquitte le prix des objets choisis. L'acheteur débarrase le chariot des objets qui sont maintenant sa propriété et cela immédiatement après le passage devant la caisse ou bien en un autre lieu plus proche de sa voiture laissée au parc souvent contigu au supermarché.We know that, in a supermarket, each buyer has a cart, which he pushes in front of him, and in which he places the objects he chooses on the shelves that line the aisles; after which the buyer presents himself with his cart in front of a box where he pays the price of the chosen objects. The buyer clears the trolley of the objects which are now his property and this immediately after passing in front of the checkout or in another place closer to his car left in the park often adjacent to the supermarket.

Quoi qu'il en soit, les chariots vides, présents en de multiples endroits du supermarché et même quelquefois à l'extérieur de celui-ci, posent un problème pour leur rassemblement et leur remise à disposition du public et qui,jusqu'ici, n'a pu être résolu que par l'emploi d'une main-d'oeuvre relativement coûteuse.Anyway, the empty carts, present in multiple places of the supermarket and even sometimes outside it, pose a problem for their collection and their availability to the public and which, so far, could only be resolved by the use of relatively expensive labor.

On a proposé des systèmes destinés à encourager les uti. sateurs à ramener eux-mêmes les chariots qu'ils ont utilisés un poste de stockage et qui prévoient de remettre à l'utisa teur ayant ramené son chariot à l'endroit prescrire

Figure imgb0001
tion de bon retour, dant la présentation ultérieure entrâinepour lui l'octroi d'un avantage sous une forme quelconque.Systems have been proposed to encourage uti. sators to bring back the carts they used from a storage station and which plan to hand over to the user who brought their cart back to the prescribed place
Figure imgb0001
tion of good return, during the subsequent presentation entailed for the granting of an advantage in any form.

Les installations utilisées jusqu'à présent pour la mise en oeuvre de ces sytèmes sont complexes, d'un entretien difficile et n'offrent pas une sécurité suffisante contre les tentatives de fraude de certains utilisateurs. Elles comportent en général des dispositifs mécaniques fixés au sol, destinés à reconnaître la forme des véhicules introduits dans une aire de stockage, mais qui n'excluent pas la possibilité de fraude, et qui n'admettent que les chariots du type pour lequel ils ont été réglés.The installations used until now for the implementation of these systems are complex, difficult to maintain and do not offer sufficient security against fraud attempts by certain users. They generally include mechanical devices fixed to the ground, intended to recognize the shape of vehicles brought into a storage area, but which do not exclude the possibility of fraud, and which admit only the carts of the type for which they have been settled.

La présente invention a pour but de remédier aux inconvénients des installations existantes et a notamment pour objet un procédé destiné à éviter les fraudes dans la restitution de chariots, caractérisé en ce que :

  • - on effectue dans une zone d'accès, en amont d'une barrière, au moins une première identification du chariot;
  • - on effectue ensuite au moins une deuxième identification du chariot en cours de restitution pendant qu'il pénètre dans la zone d'accès, la barrière permettant le retrait éventuel du chariot aussi longtemps qu'il demeure au niveau de cette barrière;
  • - on laisse la barrière revenir en condition de fermeture dès que le chariot ne se trouve plus au niveau de ladite barrière;
  • - et on commande un distributeur de tickets ou analogues.
The object of the present invention is to remedy the drawbacks of existing installations and in particular relates to a method intended to avoid fraud in the return of carriages, characterized in that:
  • - At least a first identification of the trolley is carried out in an access area, upstream of a barrier;
  • - Then at least a second identification of the carriage being restored is carried out while it enters the access zone, the barrier allowing the possible withdrawal of the carriage as long as it remains at this barrier;
  • - the barrier is allowed to return to the closed condition as soon as the carriage is no longer at the level of said barrier;
  • - And a ticket dispenser or the like is ordered.

Le retrait du chariot vers l'amont avant le franchissement complet de la barrière commande une interdiction de délivrance du moyen de preuve de l'introduction du chariot, alors que le passage complet du chariot en aval de la barrière provoque, après fermeture de cette dernière, la délivrance du moyen de preuve.The withdrawal of the trolley upstream before the complete crossing of the barrier requires a ban on issuing the means of proof of the introduction of the trolley, while the complete passage of the trolley downstream of the barrier causes, after closing of the latter , the issue of evidence.

Le procédé selon l'invention, outre son efficacité contre les fraudes, permet à l'utilisateur qui aurait engagé par mégarde son chariot dans l'aire de réceptipn, de le retirer sans difficulté, ce qui ne pouvait être obtenu avec les installations connues, dans lesquelles le début de l'engagement du chariot dans l'aire de réception entraînait son blocage et l'impossibilité de son retrait.The method according to the invention, in addition to its effectiveness against fraud, allows the user who has inadvertently engaged his trolley in the receiving area, to remove it without difficulty, which could not be obtained with known installations, in which the beginning of the engagement of the trolley in the reception area resulted in its blocking and the impossibility of its removal.

Selon un aspect important de l'invention, la première identification étant effectuée,According to an important aspect of the invention, the first identification being carried out,

ou bien la deuxième identification n'est pas effectuée à l'issue d'une période de temps prédéterminée, ce qui entraîne le verrouillage de la barrière ou autre organe de fermeture,or the second identification is not carried out at the end of a predetermined period of time, which causes the locking of the barrier or other closing member,

ou bien à l'issue de cette période la deuxième identification est en cours, auquel cas la barrière demeure en position verrouillée.or at the end of this period the second identification is in progress, in which case the barrier remains in the locked position.

De même, toujours selon l'invention, on procède à la seconde identification dans une période de temps prédéterminée, au-delà de laquelle :

  • si la deuxième identification est concluante, on effectue le reverrouillage de la barrière après passage du chariot vers l'aval, puis on délivre le moyen de preuve;
  • si,en revanche,la deuxième identification n'est pas concluante, on provoque l'interdiction de délivrance du moyen de preuve.
Likewise, still according to the invention, the second identification is carried out within a predetermined period of time, beyond which:
  • if the second identification is successful, the barrier is relocked after passage of the carriage downstream, then the means of proof is issued;
  • if, on the other hand, the second identification is not conclusive, the ban on the issue of the evidence is provoked.

Selon un autre aspect intéressant de l'invention, on réalise la première et la seconde identifications par détection optique de caractéristiques géométriques déterminées du chariot en cours de restitution.According to another interesting aspect of the invention, the first and the second identifications are carried out by optical detection of determined geometrical characteristics of the carriage being restored.

Plus précisément, l'identification du chariot est effectuée par une mesure exécutée sur ce dernier, au cours du déplacement relatif du chariot et d'un ensemble d'identification approprié.More specifically, the identification of the carriage is carried out by a measurement carried out on the latter, during the relative movement of the carriage and of an appropriate identification assembly.

Dans le cas particulier de chariots à claire-voie, comme ceux qu'on trouve habituellement dans les magasins ou supermarchés, on réalise les première et seconde identifications par comptage d'un nombre de barres verticales ou sensiblement verticales du chariot.In the particular case of lattice carts, such as those usually found in shops or supermarkets, the first and second identifications are carried out by counting a number of vertical or substantially vertical bars of the carriage.

Par ailleurs, selon une caractéristique importante de l'invention, le comptage des barres n'est effectué que sur un seul côté du chariot, ce qui évite des erreurs d'identification dans le cas où le chariot serait mal introduit.Furthermore, according to an important characteristic of the invention, the counting of the bars is carried out only on one side of the carriage, which avoids identification errors in the case where the carriage is incorrectly inserted.

L'invention concerne également une installation pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé ci-dessus pour la restitution de chariots ou analogues dans une aire de réception close, avec un accès contrôlé par une barrière escamotable et éventuellement verrouillable.The invention also relates to an installation for implementing the above process for the return of carts or the like in a closed reception area, with access controlled by a retractable and possibly lockable barrier.

Cette installation comporte au moins un premier équipement de reconnaissance de chariots, situé en amont d'un dispositif de commande d'accès ou barrière, un second équipement de reconnaissance du chariot, situé entre le premier équipement d'i-dantification et le dispositif de commande d'accès, éventuellement un verrou pour immobiliser le dispositif de commande d'accds en position d'interdiction de l'accès (verrou dont l'ouverture est commandée par le premier équipement de reconnaissance), un système de commande du dispositif, notamment de la barrière ou portillon permettant l'escamotage de ce dernier uniquement vers l'aval et son rappel en position initiale d'interdiction de l'accès, un organe sensible à la position fermée de la barrière et un ensemble de contrôle du déroulement séquentiel correct des opérations commandant le distributeur du moyen de preuve.This installation comprises at least a first trolley recognition equipment, located upstream of a device access control or barrier, a second equipment for recognizing the trolley, located between the first i-dantification equipment and the access control device, possibly a lock for immobilizing the access control device in position d 'prohibition of access (lock whose opening is controlled by the first recognition equipment), a device control system, in particular of the barrier or gate allowing the latter to be retracted only downstream and its recall in the initial position prohibiting access, a member sensitive to the closed position of the barrier and a set of controls for the correct sequential flow of operations controlling the distributor of the means of proof.

Selon une forme de réalisation préférée de l'invention, les premier et deuxième équipements de reconnaissance comportent respectivement un dispositif à rayons infrarouges dont l'émetteur et le récepteur sont disposés de part et d'autre de l'accès 2 l'aire de réception, de sorte que, dans le cas d'un chariot à claire-voie, on effectue la reconnaissance de ce chariot par ur, comptage des barres constituant un des flancs latéraux du chaciot.According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first and second recognition equipment respectively comprise an infrared ray device whose transmitter and receiver are arranged on either side of the access 2 to the reception area , so that, in the case of an openwork carriage, this carriage is recognized by ur, counting of the bars constituting one of the lateral flanks of the chaciot.

Selon un mode d'exécution, l'émetteur et le récepteur de chaque équipement à rayons infrarouges sont décalés en hauteur l'on par rapport à l'autre afin que le rayon émis soit incliné par rapport au plan de référence horizontal sur lequel se déplace le chariot vers l'aire de réception, un des éléments de la cellule étant situé à un niveau plus élevé que le bord supérieur d'un côté du chariot , tandis que l'autre élément de la cellule est situé plus bas que le bord supérieur du côté du chariot.According to one embodiment, the transmitter and the receiver of each infrared ray equipment are offset in height one relative to the other so that the emitted ray is inclined relative to the horizontal reference plane on which moves the cart to the receiving area, one of the cell elements being located higher than the top edge on one side of the cart, while the other cell element is located lower than the top edge on the side of the carriage.

Les gabarits de chariots n'étant pas uniformes, l'invention prévoit, pour prendre en compte seulement les barres du chariot sur un côté de celui-ci, que l'élément haut du dispositif à rayons infrarouges est situé plus haut que le bord du chariot de plus grand gabarit, tandis que l'élément bas dudit dispositif se trouve au-dessous du bord du chariot de gabarit minimal.The dimensions of the carriages not being uniform, the invention provides, to take into account only the bars of the carriage on one side thereof, that the top element of the infrared ray device is located higher than the edge of the larger carriage, while the bottom element of said device is below the edge of the minimum carriage.

De préférence, l'émetteur et le récepteur de chaque dispositif sont montés de façon réglable en hauteur sur un support substantiellement vertical pour permettre leur adaptation en fonction des types de chariots à contrôler.Preferably, the transmitter and the receiver of each device are mounted in an adjustable manner in height on a support. substantially vertical to allow their adaptation according to the types of carriages to be checked.

Pour la reconnaissance des chariots, une paire de dispositifs à cellules infrarouges est associée à un groupe de comptage des signaux émis par les cellules réceptrices, cette disposition évitant les fraudes consistant par exemple à faire déplacer le chariot suivant des allers et retours successifs devant les cellules propres à actionner l'ouverture de la porte de l'aire de réception.For the recognition of the trolleys, a pair of infrared cell devices is associated with a group for counting the signals emitted by the receiving cells, this arrangement avoiding fraud consisting for example in moving the trolley according to successive back and forth movements in front of the cells suitable for operating the opening of the door to the reception area.

Dans la description qui suit, faite à titre d'exemple, on se réfère aux dessins annexés, dans lesquels :

  • - la figure 1 est une vue schématique perspective d'une installation selon l'invention pour contrôler l'entrée d'une aire de stockage de chariots dans un supermarché;
  • - la figure 2 est une vue schématique de ladite installation après enlèvement des carters ou plaques d'habillage;
  • - la figure 3 est un schéma en élévation d'un équipement d'identification des chariots;
  • - la figure 4 est une vue à plus grande échelle, en coupe, d'un dispositif de verrouillage d'un-portillon d'accès;
  • - la figure 5 est une vue en coupe à grande échelle d'un dispositif de freinage d'un portillon;
  • - la figure 6 est une vue correspondante en plan;
  • - la figure 7 est une vue schématique montrant l'installation en coupe longitudinale au moment où un chariot est prêt à être introduit dans la zone ou sas d'accès;
  • - la figure 8 est un diagramme représentatif du cycle de fonctionnement;
  • - la figure 9 est une vue schématique d'une variante d'une installation pour la restitution de chariots dans un supermarché, prévue à l'entrée d'une aire de stockage;
  • - la figure 10 est une vue semblable à la figure 9, mais représentant une variante de l'installation;
  • - la figure 11 est une vue semblable à la figure 9, mais représentant une autre variante de l'installation;
  • - la figure 12 est une vue schématique de dessus représentant un convoyeur de chariots selon l'invention;
  • - la figure 13 est une vue schématique de dessus d'un autre convoyeur de chariots selon l'invention;
  • -- et la figure 14 est une vue de côté du convoyeur de la fiure 13.
In the description which follows, given by way of example, reference is made to the appended drawings, in which:
  • - Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an installation according to the invention for controlling the entry of a trolley storage area in a supermarket;
  • - Figure 2 is a schematic view of said installation after removal of housings or cover plates;
  • - Figure 3 is an elevational diagram of a trolley identification equipment;
  • - Figure 4 is an enlarged view, in section, of a locking device of an access door;
  • - Figure 5 is a sectional view on a large scale of a gate braking device;
  • - Figure 6 is a corresponding plan view;
  • - Figure 7 is a schematic view showing the installation in longitudinal section when a carriage is ready to be introduced into the access area or airlock;
  • - Figure 8 is a representative diagram of the operating cycle;
  • - Figure 9 is a schematic view of a variant of an installation for the return of trolleys in a supermarket, provided at the entrance to a storage area;
  • - Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 9, but showing a variant of the installation;
  • - Figure 11 is a view similar to Figure 9, but showing another variant of the installation;
  • - Figure 12 is a schematic top view showing a trolley conveyor according to the invention;
  • - Figure 13 is a schematic top view of another trolley conveyor according to the invention;
  • - And Figure 14 is a side view of the conveyor of the fiure 13.

Dans ce qui suit, on décrit une installation prévue pour recevoir des chariots utilisés communément dans les supermarchés mais on comprendra que d'autres applications de l'invention peuvent être faites sans sortir du cadre du Brevet.In what follows, an installation intended to receive trolleys commonly used in supermarkets is described, but it will be understood that other applications of the invention can be made without departing from the scope of the Patent.

Une aire de réception de chariots présente un couloir d'accès auquel se raccordent de part et d'autre des éléments tubulaires faisant partie d'une enceinte limitant ladite aire.A trolley receiving area has an access corridor to which are connected on either side of the tubular elements forming part of an enclosure limiting said area.

La zone ou sas d'accès à l'aire de réception est limitée par deux caissons latéraux 5 et 6 parallèles entre eux et reliés à leurs parties arrière supérieures par un coffret transversal 7, l'ensemble ayant, en projection horizontale, la forme d'un U. Les caissons 5 et 6 ainsi que le coffret 7, de forme générale parallélépipédique, peuvent être réalisés de toute manière appropriée, notamment en tôle d'acier pliée, ou comporter une ossature métallique comme celle qui est représentée à la figure 2, recouverte d'un habillage dissimulant et protégeant les organes intérieurs. L'ensemble est fixé au sol par des goussets de fixation inférieurs 9.The area or airlock for access to the reception area is limited by two lateral boxes 5 and 6 parallel to each other and connected to their upper rear parts by a transverse box 7, the assembly having, in horizontal projection, the form d 'a U. The boxes 5 and 6 as well as the box 7, of generally parallelepiped shape, can be made in any suitable manner, in particular from folded sheet steel, or include a metal framework like that which is represented in FIG. 2 , covered with a covering hiding and protecting the internal organs. The assembly is fixed to the ground by lower fixing gussets 9.

Sur la face frontale avant référencée 10 d'un des caissons, par exemple le caisson 6 de la figure 1, se trouve, sensiblement à hauteur de la main d'un homme debout, une sébile 11 placée à la sortie d'une goulotte et destinée à recevoir un ticket délivré par la machine après que l'utilisateur aura introduit son chariot dans l'aire de réception.On the front face referenced 10 of one of the caissons, for example the caisson 6 of FIG. 1, there is, substantially at the height of the hand of a standing man, a bowl 11 placed at the outlet of a chute and intended to receive a ticket issued by the machine after the user has introduced his cart into the reception area.

La goulotte fait partie d'un distributeur 12 de tickets comportant de façon classique un moteur d'entraînement qui fait avancer pas à pas un rouleau de papier préencollé, une guillo- tinp coupant le papier pour détacher un ticket à chaque opération, le ticket étant alors évacué par la goulotte vers l'utilisateur. Ce distributeur 12 de tickets, qui n'est pas représenté en détail parce qu'il est bien connu, est fixé à l'intérieur du caisson 6, en un endroit inaccessible pour l'utilisateur, sur une plaque 13 boulonnée sur l'ossature et destinée à recevoir également des organes électroniques servant au fonctionnement de l'installation et que l'on a référencé SC.The chute is attached to a ticket distributor 12 comprising conventionally a drive motor which advances step by step a roll of paper pre-glued, a tin guillo- p cutting the paper to release a ticket for each operation, the ticket then being evacuated by the chute towards the user. This ticket dispenser 12, which is not shown in detail because it is well known, is fixed inside the box 6, in a place inaccessible to the user, on a plate 13 bolted to the frame and intended also to receive electronic components used for the operation of the installation and which have been referenced SC.

Le sas d'accès à l'aire de réception est normalement fermé par deux portillons 14 montés à pivotement par leur bord externe autour d'axes verticaux et pouvant s'ouvrir, à partir de leur position de fermeture où leurs bords internes sont accolés, uniquement vers l'aval, comme montré par les flèches F1, F2° A chacun de ces portillons est associé un mécanisme de commande contenu dans un des caissons 5 ou 6. Ces mécanismes étant identiques, un seul sera décrit dans ce qui suit.The airlock to the reception area is normally closed by two gates 14 pivotally mounted by their outer edge around vertical axes which can open, from their closed position where their internal edges are joined, only downstream, as shown by the arrows F 1 , F 2 ° To each of these gates is associated a control mechanism contained in one of the boxes 5 or 6. These mechanisms being identical, only one will be described in the following.

Dans l'exemple représenté, chaque portillon est constitué par un tube coudé en forme d'U fixé sur un arbre 15 vertical supporté à rotation dans des paliers 161, 162 montés sur des supports 171, 172 fixés à l'ossature du caisson 6 ou 5. A l'extrémité supérieure de l'arbre 15 est accroché un ressort de rappel 18 dont l'autre extrémité 19 est en appui contre une partie fixe de l'ossature. Ce ressort ramène automatiquement le portillon, lorsqu'il a été ouvert, dans la position fermée représentée sur la figure 2.In the example shown, each gate is constituted by a bent U-shaped tube fixed on a vertical shaft 15 rotatably supported in bearings 16 1 , 16 2 mounted on supports 17 1 , 17 2 fixed to the frame of the box 6 or 5. At the upper end of the shaft 15 is hooked a return spring 18 whose other end 19 is in abutment against a fixed part of the frame. This spring automatically returns the gate, when it has been opened, to the closed position shown in FIG. 2.

Pour éviter les rebonds lors du retour en position de fermeture du portillon, on a prévu un dispositif amortisseur, désigné génériquement par 20, qui est calé sur l'arbre 15 et constitué simplement (figures 5 et 6) par un disque 21 de matière souple, telle que du caoutchouc, pris en sandwich entre un manchon 22 fixé par une vis schématisée en 24 sur l'arbre 15 et un disque supérieur 23, les disques 23 et le manchon 22 étant solidarisés par des vis. La tranche extérieure du disque de caoutchouc 21 est en appui constant contre une arête 25 d'un petit bloc cubique 26 du bâti fixe, de sorte que ces deux éléments frottent l'un contre l'autre lorsque le portillon se referme, l'arbre 15 tournant alors dans le sens de la flèche f2 (figure 6).To avoid rebounds when returning to the closed position of the gate, there is provided a damping device, generically designated by 20, which is wedged on the shaft 15 and simply constituted (Figures 5 and 6) by a disc 21 of flexible material , such as rubber, sandwiched between a sleeve 22 fixed by a screw shown diagrammatically at 24 on the shaft 15 and an upper disc 23, the discs 23 and the sleeve 22 being secured by screws. The outer edge of the rubber disc 21 is in constant abutment against an edge 25 of a small cubic block 26 of the fixed frame, so that these two elements rub against each other when the gate closes, the shaft 15 then turning in the direction of the arrow f 2 (Figure 6).

Par ailleurs, le portillon 14 peut être maintenu en position de fermeture grâce à un dispositif de verrou qui est représenté en détail sur la figure 4. Sur l'extrémité.inférieure de l'arbre 15 est calée une pièce 27, en forme de secteur, percée de trous 28. Cette pièce 27 est située sous un support 29a fixé à l'armature 30 du caisson et portant un électro-aimant 29 dont le noyau mobile 31 est engagé de façon coulissante à l'intérieur d'un trou du support 29a et est susceptible de faire saillie vers le bas en pénétrant dans un des trous 28 de la pièce 27 solidaire de l'arbre 15. Une butée 31a, située sous la pièce 27, permet de limiter la course du noyau 31.Furthermore, the gate 14 can be kept in the closed position by means of a lock device which is shown in detail in FIG. 4. On the lower end of the shaft 15 is wedged a part 27, in the form of a sector. , pierced with holes 28. This part 27 is located under a support 29a fixed to the frame 30 of the box and carrying an electromagnet 29 whose movable core 31 is slidably engaged inside a hole in the support 29a and is capable of projecting downwards by penetrating into one of the holes 28 of the part 27 secured to the shaft 15. A stop 31a, located under the part 27, makes it possible to limit the stroke of the core 31.

Sur l'ossature des caissons 5 et 6 sont prévus également des interrupteurs fixes 32 qui sont actionnés par les portillons lorsqu'ils pivotent et qui jouent le rôle de détecteurs de présence des portillons.Boxes 5 and 6 are also provided on the framework fixed switches 32 which are actuated by the gates when they pivot and which act as detectors for the presence of the gates.

Les faces en regard 33 et 33' des deux caissons 5 et 6 présentent des ouvertures, respectivement 35,36, 35',36' (figure 1) obturées chacune par un panneau de plexiglas (méthacrylate de méthyle), laissant passer les rayons infrarouges, dissimulant ainsi aux usagers l'intérieur des caissons. Derrière ces panneaux sont logés des émetteurs et récepteurs faisant partie de dispositifs à rayons infrarouges.The opposite faces 33 and 33 'of the two boxes 5 and 6 have openings, respectively 35.36, 35', 36 '(Figure 1) each closed by a plexiglass panel (methyl methacrylate), letting pass the infrared rays , thus concealing the interior of the boxes from users. Behind these panels are housed transmitters and receivers that are part of infrared ray devices.

Deux dispositifs sont prévus, l'un dont les cellules sont derrière les ouvertures 35 et 35' et l'autre dont les cellules sont derrière les ouvertures 36 et 36'. Chaque dispositif comprend un émetteur 37 et un récepteur 38, respectivement 371 et 381 (figure 2) derrière les ouvertures 35 et 35', et 372 et 382 derrière les ouvertures 36 et 36'. Chaque émetteur et chaque récepteur sont montés à coulissement sur une colonnette verticale, respectivement 39, 39', disposée entre des .supports 40, 41 fixés au bâti fixe de l'installation. Cette disposition permet d'effectuer un réglage en hauteur de chaque-émetteur et de chaque récepteur.Two devices are provided, one whose cells are behind the openings 35 and 35 'and the other whose cells are behind the openings 36 and 36'. Each device comprises a transmitter 37 and a receiver 38, respectively 37 1 and 38 1 (FIG. 2) behind the openings 35 and 35 ', and 37 2 and 38 2 behind the openings 36 and 36'. Each transmitter and each receiver are mounted to slide on a vertical column, respectively 39, 39 ', disposed between .supports 40, 41 fixed to the fixed frame of the installation. This arrangement makes it possible to adjust the height of each transmitter and each receiver.

Par ailleurs, chaque émetteur et chaque récepteur sont également réglables par rotation autour d'un axe horizontal A parallèle au plan longitudinal moyen de l'installation. Cette double possibilité de réglage de la position de l'émetteur et du récepteur permet, d'une part, une adaptation de l'installation à différents gabarits de chariot, comme on le voit en référence à la figure 3, et, d'autre part, d'effectuer une détermination de la nature du chariot uniquement sur un seul côté de celui-ci.Furthermore, each transmitter and each receiver are also adjustable by rotation about a horizontal axis A parallel to the mean longitudinal plane of the installation. This double possibility of adjusting the position of the transmitter and receiver allows, on the one hand, an adaptation of the installation to different trolley sizes, as seen with reference to FIG. 3, and, on the other hand part, to make a determination of the nature of the carriage only on one side thereof.

Sur la figure 3 on a représenté en trait continu le chariot de plus petit gabarit et en trait interrompu le chariot de gabarit maximal. Le chariot C (figure 7) a des côtés ou flancs constitués par des barres B verticales ou sensiblement verticales. Pour le réglage de l'installation, on dispose l'émetteur 371 à un niveau plus élevé de la distance Hl que le bord supérieur du chariot de gabarit maximal et on dispose le récepteur 381 à un niveau plus bas de la distance de H2 que celui du bord supérieur du chariot de plus petit gabarit. Dans ces conditions, quel que soit le gabarit du chariot utilisé, les rayons émis par l'émetteur 371 vers le récepteur 381, comme indiqué en R, ne rencontrent qu'un seul côté d'un chariot C dont le gabarit est compris entre le chariot de gabarit maximal et le chariot de gabarit minimal. On peut ainsi effectuer le comptage limitativement des barreaux du côté droit du chariot, les barreaux du côté gauche ne pouvant intervenir pour le comptage, même si le chariot est présenté de biais, c'est-à-dire suivant un mouvement non strictement parallèle au plan vertical moyen de symétrie de l'installation.In Figure 3 there is shown in solid lines the carriage of smaller size and in broken lines the carriage of maximum size. The carriage C (FIG. 7) has sides or sides formed by vertical or substantially vertical bars B. For the adjustment of the installation, the transmitter 37 1 is placed at a higher level of the distance H l than the upper edge of the maximum gauge carriage and the receiver 38 1 is placed at a lower level of the distance from H 2 than that of the upper edge of the smaller trolley. In these conditions, whatever the size of the trolley used, the spokes emitted by the emitter tor 37 1 to the receiver 38 1 , as indicated in R, meet only one side of a carriage C whose gauge is between the maximum gauge carriage and the minimum gauge carriage. It is thus possible to carry out counting of the bars on the right side of the carriage limitatively, the bars on the left side being unable to intervene for the counting, even if the carriage is presented at an angle, that is to say according to a movement which is not strictly parallel to the average vertical plane of symmetry of the installation.

Il en est de même pour la coopération de l'émetteur 372 avec le récepteur 382.It is the same for the cooperation of the transmitter 37 2 with the receiver 38 2 .

Sur la façade avant de la console ou coffret transversal 7, sont présents trois voyants V1, V2, V3 (figure 1). Lorsque le voyant V1 est vert, c'est le signe que l'installation est prête pour l'introduction d'un chariot dans le sas.On the front of the console or transverse box 7, there are three LEDs V 1 , V 2 , V 3 (Figure 1). When the indicator V 1 is green, this indicates that the installation is ready for the introduction of a trolley into the airlock.

Le voyant V1 (vert) est allumé pendant toute la durée du cycle et ne s'éteint en conséquence que pendant la délivrance du ticket.The indicator V 1 (green) is on for the entire duration of the cycle and does not go out accordingly until the ticket is issued.

Lorsque le voyant V2 est rouge, c'est le signe de la condition hors-service de l'installation.- Lorsque le voyant V3 est rouge, c'est le signe de la nécessité de réalimenter la machine par un rouleau de papier à tickets.When the V 2 indicator is red, this is a sign of the installation's out-of-service condition. - When the V 3 indicator is red, this indicates the need to refill the machine with a paper roll. to tickets.

Un quatrième voyant peut être prévu également qui, lorsqu'il est rouge, signale que l'aire de réception ne peut plus recevoir de nouveau chariot.A fourth indicator can also be provided which, when it is red, signals that the reception area can no longer receive a new carriage.

Le fonctionnement est le suivant :The operation is as follows:

Lorsqu'un utilisateur souhaite restituer le chariot qu'il a utilisé pour ses achats et qu'il a vidé des marchandises qu'il a achetées, il s'approche du sas 1 pour introduire le chariot dans l'aire de stockage. Après avoir constaté que le voyant V est allumé, ce qui lui signale que son chariot peut être introduit dans l'installation, il fait progresser le chariot en le poussant selon la flèche G de la figure 1. Lorsque l'avant du chariot parvient devant le premier dispositif de vérification, l'avant du chariot occulte le pinceau dirigé par l'émetteur 371 vers le récepteur 381 du dispositif, ce qui entraîne l'autorisation de départ du cycle. Un premier comptage des barres verticales B du chariot C est effectué par le premier dispositif 371, 381, afin de procéder à une première identification. Si le nombre de barres comptées par le premier dispositif (par exemple quatre ou cinq) correspond à un chiffre prédéterminé ou enregistré dans l'installation pour permettre la poursuite du cycle de fonctionnement, les portillons 14, jusqu'alors verrouillés en position fermée, sont déverrouillés par l'excitation des électro-aimants 29 des verrous; les noyaux 31 sont attirés et libèrent ainsi la pièce 2ï solidaire de l'arbre 15. Dans une variante, pour diminuer encore plus le risque de fraude, le déverrouillage des portillons est commandé par l'association des deux systèmes de détection, c'est-à-dire 371,381 d'une part, et 372,382 d'autre part.When a user wishes to return the cart that he has used for his purchases and that he has emptied of the goods that he has bought, he approaches the airlock 1 to introduce the cart into the storage area. After having noted that the indicator light V is on, which signals to him that his carriage can be introduced into the installation, he advances the carriage by pushing it according to the arrow G in FIG. 1. When the front of the carriage reaches in front the first verification device, the front of the carriage obscures the brush directed by the transmitter 37 1 to the receiver 38 1 of the device, which leads to the authorization to start the cycle. A first count of the vertical bars B of the carriage C is carried out by the first device 37 1 , 38 1 , in order to carry out a first identification. If the number of bars counted by the first device (for example four or five) corresponds to a predetermined figure or stored in the installation to allow the continuation of the operating cycle, the gates 14, previously locked in the closed position, are unlocked by the excitation electromagnets 29 of the locks; the cores 31 are attracted and thus release the part 2ï integral with the shaft 15. In a variant, to further reduce the risk of fraud, the unlocking of the gates is controlled by the association of the two detection systems, this is ie 37 1 , 38 1 on the one hand, and 37 2 , 38 2 on the other.

Les portillons étant déverrouillés, il suffit que l'usager continue à faire progresser son chariot pour repousser les portillons vers l'aval de l'installation et ainsi les ouvrir. Les interrupteurs 32 de contrôle de présence des portillons en position fermée changent alors d'état et permettent la validation du deuxième dispositif à émetteur-récepteur 372,382 qui commence le comptage des barres verticales B du chariot. Lorsque le nombre de barres comptées par le deuxième dispositif atteint une valeur prédéterminée, enregistrée au préalable dans l'installation et correspondant à la deuxième identification du chariot, il suffit à l'usager de continuer à faire avancer le chariot pour que celui-ci échappe complètement aux portillons et que ces derniers puissent revenir en position fermée sous l'effet des ressorts de rappel 18.The gates being unlocked, it suffices that the user continues to advance his carriage to push the gates downstream of the installation and thus open them. The switches 32 for controlling the presence of the gates in the closed position then change state and allow the validation of the second transceiver device 37 2 , 38 2 which begins counting the vertical bars B of the carriage. When the number of bars counted by the second device reaches a predetermined value, recorded beforehand in the installation and corresponding to the second identification of the cart, the user just has to keep moving the cart forward so that it escapes completely to the gates and that they can return to the closed position under the effect of the return springs 18.

Le chariot est maintenant à l'intérieur de l'aire de réception.The cart is now inside the receiving area.

Les portillons, en se refermant, commandent les interrupteurs 32 qui autorisent le verrouillage des portillons par des excitations des électro-aimants 29 des verrous de portes.The gates, by closing, control the switches 32 which authorize the locking of the gates by excitations of the electromagnets 29 of the door locks.

L'ensemble du processus s'étant déroulé normalement et le chariot ayant été réceptionné, l'installation délivre alors un timbre préencollé dont l'utilisateur peut prendre possession dans la sébile 11.The whole process having taken place normally and the carriage having been received, the installation then delivers a pre-glued stamp which the user can take possession of in the bowl 11.

Tout le cycle de fonctionnement de l'installation fait intervenir des temporisations qui permettent de contrôler les temps relatifs à l'accomplissement de chaque phase de progression du chariot.The entire operating cycle of the installation involves time delays which make it possible to control the times relating to the completion of each phase of progression of the carriage.

Toute tentative de fraude, se traduisant notamment par une anomalie du comptage, entraîne l'interdiction de délivrance du ticket avec, éventuellement, en association, le déclenchement d'une alarme, dans le cas où les portillons restent trop longtemps ouverts.Any attempt at fraud, resulting in particular in an anomaly of the counting, entails the prohibition of delivery of the ticket with, possibly, in combination, the triggering of an alarm, in the event that the gates remain open for too long.

Les allers et retours d'un même chariot sont contrôlés par le premier dispositif qui reprend un comptage et atteint donc un nombre prédéterminé de barres comptées pour lequel le blocage du processus de délivrance du ticket est déclenché.The back and forth of the same carriage are controlled by the first device which resumes counting and therefore reaches a predetermined number of counted bars for which the blocking of the process of issuing the ticket is triggered.

Un utilisateur ayant engagé par erreur un chariot entre les portillons peut le retirer aussi longtemps que le chariot n'a pas été engagé totalement et que les portillons ne se sont pas refermés. Mais, dans ce cas, l'installation ne délivre pas de ticket.A user who mistakenly engaged a carriage between the doors can remove it as long as the carriage has not been fully engaged and the doors have not closed. However, in this case, the installation does not issue a ticket.

Avantageusement, l'installation comprend un compteur totalisateur avec remise à zéro, permettant de comptabiliser le nombre de tickets distribués.Advantageously, the installation includes a totalizing counter with reset, making it possible to count the number of tickets distributed.

Dans le tableau de la figure 8, relatif à un cycle normal de fonctionnement de l'installation, les chiffres 1 à 11 représentent les diverses phases du fonctionnement dans leur succession dans le temps.In the table in FIG. 8, relating to a normal operating cycle of the installation, the numbers 1 to 11 represent the various phases of operation in their succession over time.

Les chiffres, sur la partie gauche du tableau, désignent, en succession dans l'ordre croissant, lés différentes étapes du fonctionnement. Les indications encadrées reliées à un chiffre par un trait schématisent les opérations de l'étape désignée par ce chiffre.The numbers on the left side of the table indicate, in succession in ascending order, the different stages of operation. The framed indications linked to a number by a line schematize the operations of the stage designated by this number.

Les indications situées entre deux chiffres consécutifs concernent les opérations effectuées entre deux étapes du processus, ou opérations inter-étapes.The indications located between two consecutive digits relate to the operations carried out between two stages of the process, or inter-stage operations.

A - Etape n° 1 : elle correspond au début du cycle, lorsque l'installation se trouve dans la position de la figure 1, propre à recevoir un chariot.A - Step n ° 1: it corresponds to the start of the cycle, when the installation is in the position of figure 1, suitable for receiving a carriage.

A cette étape, le voyant V (vert) est allumé, signifiant "introduisez votre chariot".At this stage, the V light (green) is on, meaning "insert your cart".

B - Inter-étape 1.2 : l'usager commence à introduire son chariot dans le sas d'accès et l'avant de son chariot provoque la première occultation du premier dispositif à rayons infrarouges 371-381, entraînant l'autorisation de départ du cycle. SI est l'indication de la validation de l'étape précédente, chaque étape devant être validée préalablement à la réalisation de l'étape suivante. Dans le cas présent, la validation consiste à vérifier que le voyant V1 est bien allumé.B - Inter-step 1.2: the user begins to introduce his cart into the access airlock and the front of his cart causes the first occultation of the first infrared ray device 37 1 -38 1 , leading to departure authorization of the cycle. IF is the indication of the validation of the previous step, each step must be validated before carrying out the next step. In the present case, the validation consists in verifying that the LED V 1 is indeed lit.

C - Etape n° 2 : l'usager continue de progresser, ce qui entraîne simultanément :

  • comme schématisé par C1 (flèche), le premier comptage des barres du chariot par les cellules 371,381;
  • comme schématisé par LT1, le début ou lancement de la temporisation à partir du commencement du premier comptage.
C - Step 2: the user continues to progress, which simultaneously leads to:
  • as shown schematically by C 1 (arrow), the first counting of the bars of the carriage by the cells 37 1 , 38 1 ;
  • as shown by LT 1 , the start or start of the timer from the start of the first count.

Le voyant V1 demeure allumé.The indicator V 1 remains on.

D - Inter-étape 2.3 :D - Inter-step 2.3:

X1 représente le nombre prédéterminé de barres pré-enregistré dans l'installation qui doit être compté au minimum par le dispositif comprenant les cellules 371,381 dans un temps prédéterminé.X 1 represents the predetermined number of bars pre-recorded in the installation which must be counted at least by the device comprising the cells 37 1 , 38 1 in a predetermined time.

FT1 représente la fin de la temporisation attachée au premier comptage qui doit être terminé avant le passage au stade suivant.FT 1 represents the end of the time delay attached to the first count which must be completed before going to the next stage.

S2 représente la validation de l'opération de l'étape 2.S 2 represents the validation of the operation of step 2.

E - Etape n° 3 : La correction des opérations de l'inter-étape 2.3 étant vérifiée, les organes (par exemple des transistors) TG1 et TG2, de commande de déverrouillage des portillons droit et gauche, sont excités.E - Stage n ° 3: The correction of the operations of the inter-stage 2.3 being verified, the members (for example of the transistors) TG 1 and TG 2 , of command to unlock the right and left gates, are excited.

LT2 représente le lancement de la temporisation de fin de premier comptage, temporisation pendant la durée de laquelle doit intervenir la première occultation du pinceau de rayons infrarouges émis par l'émetteur 372 vers le récepteur 382.LT 2 represents the start of the timing for the end of the first counting, timing during which the first occultation of the brush of infrared rays emitted by the transmitter 37 2 towards the receiver 38 2 must occur.

v 1 indique que le voyant V1 s'éteint. v 1 indicates that the indicator V 1 goes out.

F - Inter-étape 3.4 :F - Inter-step 3.4:

FT2 indique la fin de la temporisation concernant l'intervalle de temps séparant la fin du premier comptage et la première occultation, par l'extrémité avant du chariot, du pinceau de rayons infrarouges émis par l'émetteur 372 vers le récepteur 382. Les portillons sont déverrouillés mais l'usager ne les a pas ouverts. Les interrupteurs 32, symbolisés par g1 et g2, n'ont pas encore changé d'état.FT 2 indicates the end of the time delay concerning the time interval separating the end of the first count and the first occultation, by the front end of the carriage, of the brush of infrared rays emitted by the transmitter 37 2 towards the receiver 38 2 . The gates are unlocked but the user has not opened them. The switches 32, symbolized by g 1 and g 2 , have not yet changed state.

S3 représente la validation de l'étape précédente.S 3 represents the validation of the previous step.

d2 représente la première occultation du pinceau de rayons infrarouges émis par l'émetteur 372 vers le récepteur 382.d 2 represents the first occultation of the brush of infrared rays emitted by the transmitter 37 2 towards the receiver 38 2 .

G - Etape n° 4 : le dispositif de comptage étant excité par le dispositif 372,382, le deuxième comptage C2 (fléché vers le haut) est engagé.G - Step 4: the counting device being excited by the device 37 2 , 38 2 , the second count C 2 (arrowed upwards) is engaged.

Les transistors TG1, TG2 de commande de portillons restent actionnés.The gates control transistors TG 1 , TG 2 remain actuated.

La temporisation (LT3) du début du deuxième comptage est lancée.The time delay (LT 3 ) for the start of the second count is started.

Le premier comptage C1 (fléché vers le bas) est remis à zéro.The first count C 1 (arrow down) is reset to zero.

H - Inter-étape 4.5 :H - Inter-step 4.5:

X2 représente le nombre prédéterminé de barres qui doit. être compté au minimum par le deuxième dispositif 372, 382 pendant un temps prédéterminé.X 2 represents the predetermined number of bars that must. be counted at least by the second device 37 2 , 38 2 for a predetermined time.

FT3 représente la fin de la temporisation du deuxième comptage, lequel doit être effectué avant passage au stade suivant.FT 3 represents the end of the timing of the second count, which must be carried out before going to the next stage.

Les interrupteurs 32 ont changé d'état, ce qui est matérialisé par (g 1 + g2) . The switches 32 have changed state, which is materialized by ( g 1 + g 2) .

S4 indique la validation de l'étape précédente.S 4 indicates the validation of the previous step.

I - Etape 5 :I - Step 5:

LT4 indique le lancement de la temporisation à la fin du deuxième comptage, temporisation pendant la durée de laquelle les portillons doivent se refermer.LT 4 indicates the start of the time delay at the end of the second count, time delay during which the gates must close.

TG1, TG2 indiquent que les transistors de commande des portillons restent actionnés, les portillons étant ouverts.TG 1 , TG 2 indicate that the gate control transistors remain actuated, the gates being open.

J - Inter-étape 5.6 : le chariot étant passé totalement, les portillons se referment en actionnant les interrupteurs 32 qui changent d'état et se ferment, ce qui est matérialisé par g1.g2.J - Inter-step 5.6: the carriage having passed completely, the gates are closed by actuating the switches 32 which change state and close, which is shown by g 1 .g 2 .

X 1 indique qu'on bloque la délivrance du coupon dans le cas d'un nouveau score réalisé par le premier dispositif comprenant l'émetteur 371 et le récepteur 372. X 1 indicates that the delivery of the coupon is blocked in the case of a new score produced by the first device comprising the transmitter 37 1 and the receiver 372.

FT4 représente la fin de la temporisation concernant l'intervalle de temps devant s'écouler entre la fin du deuxième comptage et le moment où les interrupteurs 32 se ferment.FT 4 represents the end of the time delay relating to the time interval which must elapse between the end of the second count and the moment when the switches 32 close.

S5 signale la validation de l'étape précédente.S 5 signals the validation of the previous step.

K - Etape n° 6 : les transistors de commande des portes ne sont plus excités, ce qui est matérialisé par TG 1, TG2.K - Step n ° 6: the door control transistors are no longer energized, which is materialized by TG 1 , TG 2 .

LT5 indique le lancement de la temporisation entre la fermeture des portillons et le début de l'avance du papier délivré par le distributeur 12.LT 5 indicates the start of the time delay between the closing of the gates and the start of the advance of the paper delivered by the dispenser 12.

L - Inter-étape 6.7 : FT5 signale la fin de la temporisation entre la fermeture des portillons et le début de l'avance du papier délivré par le distributeur 12.L - Inter-step 6.7: FT 5 signals the end of the time delay between the closing of the gates and the start of the advance paper delivered by the dispenser 12.

S6 indique la validation de l'étape précédente.S 6 indicates the validation of the previous step.

M · Dtape n° 7 : A ce moment, l'avance du papier est comman- dée (notamment par l'excitation d'un transistor), ce qui est ma- par TA.M · Step n ° 7: At this moment, the paper advance is controlled (in particular by the excitation of a transistor), which is controlled by TA.

IT6 indique le lancement simultané de la temporisation d'avance du papier.IT 6 indicates the simultaneous start of the paper advance delay.

N - Inter-étape 7.8 :N - Inter-step 7.8:

FT6 signale la fin de la temporisation d'avance du papier.FT 6 signals the end of the paper advance delay.

S7 indique la validation de l'étape précédente.S 7 indicates the validation of the previous step.

O - Etape n° 8 : l'avance du papier est interrompue, ce qui est symbolisé par TA. La temporisation LT7 entre la fin de l'avance du papier et le début de l'opération du tranchage de celui-ci est lancée.O - Step 8: the paper feed is interrupted, which is symbolized by TA. The time delay LT 7 between the end of the paper advance and the start of the slicing operation thereof is started.

C2 suivi de la flèche vers le bas indique que le deuxième comptage est pris en compte par l'appareil.C 2 followed by the down arrow indicates that the second count is taken into account by the device.

P - Inter-étape 8.9 :P - Inter-step 8.9:

FT7 signale la fin de la temporisation entre la fin d'avance du papier et le début de son tranchage.FT 7 signals the end of the time delay between the end of paper feed and the start of slicing.

S8 indique la validation de l'opération de l'étape 8.S 8 indicates the validation of the operation of step 8.

Q - Etape 9 : le dispositif de coupe du papier et le compteur totalisateur de tickets distribués sont mis en marche, mment par excitation d'un transistor, ce qui est matérialisé par TC.Q - Step 9: the paper cutting device and the counter for totaling distributed tickets are started, even by excitation of a transistor, which is materialized by TC.

LT8 indique le lancement de la temporisation pour la du coupe-papier.LT 8 indicates the start of the time delay for the cutter.

R - Inter-étape 9.10 :R - Inter-step 9.10:

FT8 représente la fin de la temporisation pour l'acheminement du dispositif de coupe du papier.FT 8 represents the end of the time delay for the routing of the paper cutting device.

S9 signale la validation des opérations de l'étape 9.S 9 signals the validation of the operations of step 9.

S - Etape 10 :S - Step 10:

TC indique que le dispositif de coupe du papier et le compteur totalisateur de tickets sont déconnectés.TC indicates that the paper cutter and the ticket counter are disconnected.

C1, etC 1 , and

C2, l'un et l'autre accompagnés de la flèche vers le bas, indiquent que les premier et deuxième comptages sont pris en compte.C 2 , both accompanied by the down arrow, indicate that the first and second counts are taken into account.

LT9 signale le lancement de la temporisation pour le contrôle du papier.LT 9 signals the start of the timer for paper control.

T - Inter-étape 10.11 :T - Inter-step 10.11:

S10 indique la validation des opérations de l'étape précédente.S 10 indicates the validation of the operations of the previous step.

FT9 indique la fin de la temporisation du contrôle du papier.FT 9 indicates the end of the paper control timeout.

Ensuite, on contrôle la présence du papier dans la machine.Next, the presence of paper in the machine is checked.

Deux cas peuvent se présenter :

  • a) s'il y a encore du papier, CP (moyen de contrôle de présence du papier) reste excité;
  • b) s'il n'y a plus de papier, le moyen de contrôle de présence de papier le signale, ce qui est matérialisé par CP.
Two cases can arise:
  • a) if there is still paper, CP (means of checking the presence of paper) remains excited;
  • b) if there is no more paper, the means of checking for the presence of paper signals this, which is materialized by CP.

U - Etape 11 : Cette étape n'intervient que dans le cas où il n'y a plus de papier dans la machine. Le voyant V3 s'allume alors, ce qui signale la nécessité de remettre du papier dans la machine. Après mise en place d'un nouveau rouleau de papier, les moyens de contrôle reprennent leur état normal matérialisé par CP.U - Step 11: This step only intervenes if there is no more paper in the machine. The indicator V 3 then lights up, which signals the need to put paper back in the machine. After installing a new roll of paper, the control means resume their normal state materialized by CP.

Un nouveau cycle de fonctionnement peut être entamé.A new operating cycle can be started.

L'invention prévoit une variante dans laquelle, en fonction du distributeur de tickets ou coupons choisi, une seule impulsion sert à la délivrance du coupon, ce qui permet de ne pas prendre en considération le lancement des opérations coupe-papier.The invention provides a variant in which, depending on the chosen ticket or coupon dispenser, a single pulse is used to issue the coupon, which makes it possible to disregard the launch of the paper cutter operations.

En référence aux figures 9 à 11, on va décrire des variantes de réalisation de l'installation selon l'invention.Referring to Figures 9 to 11, we will describe alternative embodiments of the installation according to the invention.

En figure 9, on a représenté schématiquement une partie d'une installation pour la restitution d'un chariot 110, prévue à l'entrée d'une aire de stockage des chariots 110, à laquelle le public n'a pas accès. Elle comprend un portique délimitant une ouverture d'introduction des chariots dans l'aire de stockage, et qui est'formé de deux piliers verticaux 111 écartés entre eux > d'une distance supérieure à la largeur d'un.chariot 110 et reliés à leur extrémité supérieure par un montant transversal horizontal 112 comprenant un certain nombre de voyants 113 pour la signalisation du déroulement des différentes opérations exécutées par l'installation et de son état de fonctionnement. A son extrémité arrière, située du côté de l'aire de stockage, l'installation comprend une barrière ou un portillon à deux battants 114 fermant normalement l'accès à l'aire de stockage et qui sont destinés à être ouverts par un chariot 110 poussé par un utilisateur sous le portique 111,112.In Figure 9, there is schematically shown part of an installation for the return of a cart 110, provided at the entrance to a storage area of the carriages 110, to which the public does not have access. It comprises a gantry delimiting an opening for introducing the carriages into the storage area, and which is formed by two vertical pillars 111 spaced apart > by a distance greater than the width of a carriages 110 and connected to their upper end by a horizontal transverse upright 112 comprising a certain number of indicator lights 113 for signaling the progress of the various operations executed by the installation and its operating state. At its rear end, located on the side of the storage area, the installation comprises a barrier or a gate with two flaps 114 normally closing the access to the storage area and which are intended to be opened by a trolley 110 pushed by a user under the gantry 111,112.

Divers moyens de reconnaissance d'un chariot 110 sont prévus en amont du portillon 114 et sont en général à fonctionnement séquentiel, de façon à exécuter un certain nombre d'opérations d'identification du chariot, dans un ordre déterminé, quand le chariot est poussé contre le portillon 114. Si ces opérations sont exécutées dans l'ordre déterminé et avantageusement dans une période de temps déterminée, elles commandent le fonctionnement d'un distributeur de tickets logé dans l'un des piliers 111 et délivrant un ticket par une fente 115 de la face avant de ce pilier. Ce ticket donne droit à l'utilisateur, qui a ramené son chariot 110 à l'aire de stockage, à une récompense ou à un avantage d'une nature quelconque.Various means of recognizing a carriage 110 are provided upstream of the gate 114 and are generally sequential, so as to execute a certain number of operations for identifying the carriage, in a determined order, when the carriage is pushed against the gate 114. If these operations are carried out in the determined order and advantageously within a determined period of time, they control the operation of a ticket dispenser housed in one of the pillars 111 and delivering a ticket through a slot 115 of the front of this pillar. This ticket entitles the user, who has returned his cart 110 to the storage area, to a reward or advantage of any kind.

L'un au moins des moyens de reconnaissance du chariot 110 est une cellule photo-électrique du type dit "à réflexion" comprenant un boîtier 116 contenant, côte à côte, un émetteur d'un rayonnement de longueur d'onde déterminée, par exemple un rayonnement infrarouge, et un élément récepteur pour la détection dudit rayonnement après réflexion de celui-ci sur un réflecteur 117.At least one of the means for recognizing the carriage 110 is a photoelectric cell of the so-called "reflection" type comprising a housing 116 containing, side by side, an emitter of radiation of determined wavelength, for example infrared radiation, and a receiving element for the detection of said radiation after reflection thereof on a reflector 117.

Dans l'exemple de la figure 9, le boîtier 116 est monté sur la face horizontale inférieure du montant transversal 112, et le réflecteur 117 est au sol, dans le passage du chariot 110, en étant verticalement aligné avec le boîtier 116.In the example of FIG. 9, the housing 116 is mounted on the lower horizontal face of the transverse upright 112, and the reflector 117 is on the ground, in the passage of the carriage 110, being vertically aligned with the housing 116.

On comprend que, quand un chariot 110 est amené devant le portillon 114 entre les deux piliers 111, certaines de ses parties passent successivement entre le réflecteur 117 et le boîtier 116, et empêchent la réflexion du rayonnement vers la cellule réceptrice du boîtier 116. La présence du chariot 110 devant le portillon 114 et son passage au-dessus du réflecteur 117 sont ainsi détectés et pris en compte.It is understood that, when a carriage 110 is brought in front of the gate 114 between the two pillars 111, some of its parts pass successively between the reflector 117 and the housing 116, and prevent the reflection of the radiation towards the receiving cell of the housing 116. presence of the carriage 110 in front of the gate 114 and its passage above the reflector 117 are thus detected and taken into account.

Dans la variante représentée en figure 10, l'installation comprend un portique 111, 112 du même type que précédemment, et le boîtier 116 contenant la cellule photo-électrique à réflexion est placé, non plus sur le montant transversal 112, mais sur la face interne 118 d'un des piliers 111, tandis que le réflecteur 117 est porté par une des parois latérales du chariot 110, le boîtier 116 et le réflecteur 117 se trouvant à la même hauteur au-dessus du sol.In the variant shown in FIG. 10, the installation comprises a gantry 111, 112 of the same type as above, and the box 116 containing the photoelectric cell with reflection is placed, no longer on the transverse upright 112, but on the face internal 118 of one of the pillars 111, while the reflector 117 is carried by one of the side walls of the carriage 110, the housing 116 and the reflector 117 being at the same height above the ground.

Dans une autre variante, non représentée, on utilise le boîtier 116 sans l'associer à un réflecteur particulier, et ce sont différentes parties du chariot 110, quand celui-ci se trouve en regard du boîtier 116, qui jouent le rôle de réflecteur.In another variant, not shown, the box 116 is used without associating it with a particular reflector, and this are different parts of the carriage 110, when it is opposite the housing 116, which play the role of reflector.

Dans une autre variante, représentée schématiquement en figure 11, au moins l'un des moyens de reconnaissance d'un chariot est un détecteur de métaux 119, d'un type classique, qui est monté sur un battant 114 du portillon. Dans l'exemple représenté, chaque battant 114 porte un détecteur de métaux 119. Quand le chariot 110 est poussé sur les battants 114 du portillon, sa partie avant vient sensiblement au contact des détecteurs 119, qui prennent en compte la présence du chariot. Quand le chariot est poussé pour ouvrir le portillon, les détecteurs de métaux 119 restent sensiblement au contact de certaines parties des parois latérales du chariot, et prennent en compte le passage dudit chariot sous le montant transversal 112 du portique.In another variant, shown diagrammatically in FIG. 11, at least one of the means for recognizing a carriage is a metal detector 119, of a conventional type, which is mounted on a leaf 114 of the gate. In the example shown, each leaf 114 carries a metal detector 119. When the carriage 110 is pushed on the leaves 114 of the gate, its front part comes substantially into contact with the detectors 119, which take into account the presence of the carriage. When the carriage is pushed to open the gate, the metal detectors 119 remain substantially in contact with certain parts of the side walls of the carriage, and take into account the passage of said carriage under the transverse upright 112 of the gantry.

Pour faciliter l'introduction d'un chariot dans l'aire de stockage, l'invention prévoit également de disposer, derrière le portique 111, 112, un moyen d'entraînement ou de convoyage automatique du chariot.To facilitate the introduction of a trolley into the storage area, the invention also provides for having, behind the gantry 111, 112, an automatic drive or conveying means for the trolley.

Dans la forme de réalisation représentée en figure 12, le convoyeur comprend deux courroies horizontales 121 à surface extérieure crantée 122 qui s'étendent depuis le portique 111, 112, représenté en trait fantôme, de part et d'autre du passage d'introduction du chariot 110 dans l'aire de stockage. A leur extrémité avant, les courroies 121 passent sur une roue d'entraînement 123 fixée sur un arbre menant vertical entraîné lui-même à partir d'un moteur, par exemple électrique, au moyen d'un système à pignons 124 et courroies 125.In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the conveyor comprises two horizontal belts 121 with notched outer surface 122 which extend from the gantry 111, 112, shown in phantom, on either side of the passage for introducing the trolley 110 in the storage area. At their front end, the belts 121 pass over a drive wheel 123 fixed to a vertical drive shaft itself driven from a motor, for example electric, by means of a pinion system 124 and belts 125.

A leur extrémité opposée, les courroies 121 passent autour d'une roue de renvoi portée par un arbre vertical dont les paliers d'extrémité 126 sont guidés dans des lumières incurvées 127 et sont soumis à l'action de ressorts de rappel tendant à rapprocher l'une de l'autre les extrémités arrière des courroies 121, de telle sorte que celles-ci définissent un chemin de guidage du chariot 110 qui est plus large à son extrémité d'entrée du chariot qu'à son extrémité de sortie dudit chariot. La distance séparant les deux courroies crantées 121 au niveau du portique 111, 112, est supérieure à la plus grande largeur d'un chariot 110, tandis que la distance minimale séparant ces deux courroies à leur extrémité opposée est sensiblement égale à la plus petite largeur d'un chariot.At their opposite end, the belts 121 pass around a deflection wheel carried by a vertical shaft, the end bearings 126 of which are guided in curved slots 127 and are subjected to the action of return springs tending to bring the from one another the rear ends of the belts 121, so that these define a guide path for the carriage 110 which is wider at its entry end of the carriage than at its exit end of said carriage. The distance separating the two notched belts 121 at the level of the gantry 111, 112 is greater than the greatest width of a carriage 110, while the minimum distance separating these two belts at their opposite end is substantially equal to the smallest width of a cart.

Ce dispositif fonctionne de la façon suivante : quand un chariot 110 est amené sous le portique 111, 112, les moyens d'identification de chariot prévus dans le portique commandent la mise en route du convoyeur, les bandes 121 étant entraînées par les roues menantes 123 dans le sens indiqué par les flèches 128. Quand l'utilisateur continue de pousser le chariot 110 sous le portique 111, 112, l'extrémité avant du chariot vient en contact avec les surfaces en regard des courroies crantées 121, et le chariot est entraîné automatiquement, dans le sens de la flèche 129, jusqu'à ce qu'il sorte du convoyeur. Celui-ci s'arrête alors automatiquement.This device operates as follows: when a carriage 110 is brought under the gantry 111, 112, the trolley identification means provided in the gantry control the starting of the conveyor, the belts 121 being driven by the driving wheels 123 in the direction indicated by the arrows 128. When the user continues to push the carriage 110 under the gantry 111, 112, the front end of the carriage comes into contact with the facing surfaces of the toothed belts 121, and the carriage is driven automatically, in the direction of arrow 129, until it leaves the conveyor. This then stops automatically.

Dans la variante représentée sur les figures 13 et 14, le convoyeur comprend une seule courroie 130 passant à ses extrémités sur des rouleaux 131 et 132 à axe horizontal, portés par un châssis légèrement surélevé par rapport au sol 133. Le rouleau 132 est un rouleau menant, entraîné au moyen d'une courroie 134 par un moteur 135, tandis que l'autre rouleau 131 est un simple rouleau de renvoi.In the variant shown in Figures 13 and 14, the conveyor comprises a single belt 130 passing at its ends on rollers 131 and 132 with a horizontal axis, carried by a frame slightly raised relative to the ground 133. The roller 132 is a roller leading, driven by means of a belt 134 by a motor 135, while the other roller 131 is a simple deflection roller.

La courroie 130 d'entraînement d'un chariot 110 comprend de place en place sur sa face extérieure des doigts perpendiculaires 136 destinés à coopérer avec une barre transversale avant 137 de la partie inférieure du chariot, pour entraîner celui-ci dans le sens de la flèche 138. La courroie 130 est précédée d'un plan incliné 139 et est suivie d'un autre plan incliné 140, facilitant l'amenée du chariot 110 sur le convoyeur, et son évacuation à la sortie du convoyeur.The belt 130 for driving a carriage 110 comprises from place to place on its outer face perpendicular fingers 136 intended to cooperate with a front transverse bar 137 of the lower part of the carriage, to drive the latter in the direction of the arrow 138. The belt 130 is preceded by an inclined plane 139 and is followed by another inclined plane 140, facilitating the bringing of the carriage 110 on the conveyor, and its evacuation at the outlet of the conveyor.

Dans cette forme de réalisation, le portique prévu à l'entrée de-l'aire de stockage est remplacé par deux piliers verticaux 141 comprenant des moyens d'identification du chariot 110, et les battants 142 d'un portillon.In this embodiment, the gantry provided at the entrance to the storage area is replaced by two vertical pillars 141 comprising means for identifying the carriage 110, and the leaves 142 of a gate.

Deux autres piliers verticaux 143 peuvent être prévus à l'intérieur de l'aire de stockage, de part et d'autre du convoyeur, pour commander l'arrêt de ce convoyeur.Two other vertical pillars 143 can be provided inside the storage area, on either side of the conveyor, to control the stopping of this conveyor.

Ce dispositif fonctionne de la façon suivante :This device works as follows:

L'utilisateur ramenant le chariot 110 pousse celui-ci sur les battants 142 du portillon et engage l'avant du chariot sur le plan incliné 139. Le passage du chariot devant les piliers verticaux 141 commande la mise en route du convoyeur et l'entraînement de la courroie 130 dont un doigt 136 vient en butée sur la barre transversale inférieure 137 de l'avant du chariot, et entraîne le chariot dans le sens de la flèche 138. Quand le chariot 110 passe entre les deux autres piliers verticaux 143, il coupe par exemple le faisceau d'alimentation d'une cellule photo-électrique qui commande alors l'arrêt du convoyeur, avec une temporisation plus ou moins importante en fonction de la disposition des piliers 143 par rapport à l'extrémité du convoyeur. Le chariot est évacué par le plan incliné 140 à la sortie du convoyeur.The user bringing the carriage 110 pushes it on the leaves 142 of the gate and engages the front of the carriage on the inclined plane 139. The passage of the carriage in front of the vertical pillars 141 controls the starting of the conveyor and the drive of the belt 130, a finger 136 of which abuts on the lower transverse bar 137 of the front of the carriage, and drives the carriage in the direction of the arrow 138. When the carriage 110 passes between the two other vertical pillars 143, it for example cuts the supply beam of a photoelectric cell which then controls the stopping of the conveyor, with a more or less significant time delay depending on the arrangement of the pillars 143 relative to the end of the conveyor. The carriage is evacuated by the inclined plane 140 at the outlet of the conveyor.

Claims (38)

1. Procédé pour encourager la restitution d'un véhicule roulant, tel qu'un chariot de supermarché, dans une aire de réception dont l'accès est contrôlé par des portillons, barrières ou analogues, l'encouragement étant traduit par la délivrance d'un ticket ou analogue à la suite de la restitution du véhicule, caractérisé en ce que : - on effectue, en amont du ou des portillon(s) (14,114), au moins une première vérification de l'identité du véhicule(C,110), - on effectue ensuite au moins une seconde vérification du même type que la première pendant que le véhicule (C,110) franchit le portillon (14,114), le portillon permettant pendant ce franchissement un retrait éventuel du véhicule, - on laisse le portillon (14,114) revenir dans sa condition de fermeture après le franchissement, - et on commande le distributeur de tickets (12) ou analogue. 1. Method for encouraging the return of a rolling vehicle, such as a supermarket trolley, in a reception area the access of which is controlled by gates, barriers or the like, the encouragement being reflected in the issuance of a ticket or the like following the return of the vehicle, characterized in that: - at least one initial verification of the identity of the vehicle (C, 110) is carried out, upstream of the gate (s) (14,114), - then at least a second verification of the same type as the first is carried out while the vehicle (C, 110) passes through the gate (14,114), the gate allowing this vehicle to be removed during this crossing, - the gate (14,114) is left to return to its closed condition after crossing, - And the ticket dispenser (12) or the like is controlled. 2. Procédé selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'un retrait du véhicule (C,110) au cours du franchissement du portillon (14,114) commande l'interdiction de distribution d'un ticket.2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that a withdrawal of the vehicle (C, 110) during the crossing of the gate (14,114) controls the prohibition of distribution of a ticket. 3. Procédé selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que, le portillon (14) étant verrouillable en condition de fermeture, on le déverrouille en cas de résultat satisfaisant de la première vérification d'identité du véhicule (C), et on le verrouille quand il est revenu dans sa condition de fermeture après le franchissement.3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, the door (14) being lockable in the closed condition, it is unlocked in the event of a satisfactory result of the first verification of identity of the vehicle (C), and locks it when it has returned to its closed condition after crossing. 4. Procédé selon l'une des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce qu'on effectue la première vérification d'identité dans une période de temps prédéterminée au-delà de laquelle, si la deuxième vérification n'est pas concluante, le portillon (14) est verrouillé ou la distribution d'un ticket est interdite.4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first identity verification is carried out in a predetermined period of time beyond which, if the second verification is not conclusive, the gate (14) is locked or the distribution of a ticket is prohibited. 5. Procédé selon l'une des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce qu'on effectue la seconde vérification dans une période de temps prédéterminée au-delà de laquelle, si l'identification est satisfaisante, on verrouille éventuellement à nouveau le portillon (14) et on commande la délivrance du ticket.5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the second verification is carried out within a predetermined period of time beyond which, if the identification is satisfactory, the gate is possibly locked again ( 14) and the issue of the ticket is ordered. 6. Procédé selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que, si la deuxième vérification ne confirme pas l'identification, on bloque le moyen de délivrance du ticket.6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, if the second verification does not confirm not the identification, the means of issuing the ticket is blocked. 7. Procédé selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'on réalise la première et la seconde vérifications par détection optique de caractéristiques géométriques déterminées du véhicule (C,114).7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second verifications are carried out by optical detection of determined geometric characteristics of the vehicle (C, 114). 8. Procédé selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que la détection est celle de rayons infrarouges.8. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that the detection is that of infrared rays. 9. Procédé selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que les première et seconde vérifications sont effectuées par déplacement relatif du véhicule et d'un ensemble d'identification.9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second verifications are carried out by relative movement of the vehicle and of an identification assembly. 10. Procédé selon l'une des revendications précédentes, appliqué au cas où le véhicule est un chariot à claire-voie de supermarché, caractérisé en ce qu'on réalise les première et seconde vérifications par comptage du nombre de barres (B) du chariot (C).10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, applied in the case where the vehicle is a supermarket skeleton cart, characterized in that the first and second checks are carried out by counting the number of bars (B) of the cart (VS). 11. Procédé selon la revendication 10, caractérisé en ce qu'on effectue le comptage des barres (B) sur un seul côté du chariot (C).11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that the bars (B) are counted on one side of the carriage (C). 12. Installation pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé -selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'elle présente au moins : - un dispositif de contrôle d'accès (14,114) s'ouvrant par poussée du véhicule uniquement dans le sens de l'accès; - un premier dispositif (35,371,381) de reconnaissance du véhicule (C,110) situé en amont du dispositif de contrôle d'accès (14,114), tel qu'un premier portillon, ou deux portillons montés face à face; --un second dispositif (36,372,382) de reconnaissance du véhicule situé entre le premier dispositif de reconnaissance (35,371,381) et le dispositif de contrôle d'accès (14,114); - un moyen (18) de rappel en position initiale du dispositif de contrôle d'accès (14,114); - un organe (32) sensible à la position d'interdiction d'accès du dispositif de contrôle d'accès (14,114); - et un ensemble (SC) de contrôle du déroulement séquentiel correct des opérations commandant le distributeur de tickets (12) ou analogue. 12. Installation for implementing the method - according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has at least: - an access control device (14,114) opening by pushing the vehicle only in the direction of access; - a first device (35,37 1 , 38 1 ) for recognizing the vehicle (C, 110) located upstream of the access control device (14,114), such as a first gate, or two gates mounted face to face ; --a second device (36,37 2 , 38 2 ) for recognizing the vehicle located between the first recognition device (35,37 1 , 38 1 ) and the access control device (14,114); - Means (18) for returning to the initial position of the access control device (14,114); - a member (32) sensitive to the position of access prohibition of the access control device (14,114); - And a set (SC) for controlling the correct sequential flow of operations controlling the ticket dispenser (12) or the like. 13. Installation selon la revendication 12, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend également un verrou (27,31) pour immobiliser le dispositif (14) de contrôle d'accès en position d'interdiction d'accès, le verrou étant éclipsable sous la commande du premier dispositif de reconnaissance (35,371,381).13. Installation according to claim 12, characterized in that it also comprises a lock (27,31) for immobilizing the device (14) for access control in the access prohibition position, the lock being eclipsable under the control of the first recognition device (35,37 1 , 38 1 ). 14. Installation selon la revendication 12 ou 13, caractérisée en ce que les premier et deuxième dispositifs de reconnaissance comportent respectivement un dispositif photo-électrique dont l'émetteur (37) et le récepteur (38) sont disposés de part et d'autre de l'accès à l'aire de réception.14. Installation according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the first and second recognition devices respectively comprise a photoelectric device whose transmitter (37) and receiver (38) are arranged on either side of access to the reception area. 15. Installation selon la revendication 14, caractérisée en ce que l'émetteur (37) et le récepteur (38) d'un dispositif sont décalés en hauteur l'un par rapport à l'autre afin que le faisceau émis soit incliné par rapport au plan de référence horizontal sur lequel se déplace le véhicule (C) à introduire dans l'aire de réception.15. Installation according to claim 14, characterized in that the transmitter (37) and the receiver (38) of a device are offset in height relative to each other so that the emitted beam is inclined relative to to the horizontal reference plane on which the vehicle (C) to be moved into the reception area is moving. 16. Installation selon l'une des revendications 12 à 15, caractérisée en ce que l'émetteur (37) et le récepteur (38) de chaque dispositif sont montés de façon réglable en hauteur sur un support (39) sensiblement vertical.16. Installation according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the transmitter (37) and the receiver (38) of each device are mounted so as to be adjustable in height on a support (39) substantially vertical. 17. Installation selon l'une des revendications 12 à 16, caractérisée en ce qu'à chaque dispositif photo-électrique est associé, en correspondance de l'éclairement ou du non-éclairement du récepteur, un groupe de comptage de signaux.17. Installation according to one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that each photoelectric device is associated, in correspondence with the illumination or non-illumination of the receiver, a signal counting group. 18. Installation selon la revendication 14, caractérisée en ce que l'émetteur (37) est un émetteur de rayons infrarouges et le récepteur (38) est sensible aux rayons infrarouges.18. Installation according to claim 14, characterized in that the transmitter (37) is a transmitter of infrared rays and the receiver (38) is sensitive to infrared rays. 19. Installation selon l'une des revendications 12 à 18, caractérisée en ce que le dispositif de contrôle d'accès comprend au moins un portillon (14,114) tournant autour d'un axe vertical.19. Installation according to one of claims 12 to 18, characterized in that the access control device comprises at least one door (14,114) rotating around a vertical axis. 20. Installation selon la revendication 19, caractérisée en ce que le dispositif de contrôle d'accès comprend deux portillons (14,114) dont les bords sont en regard dans la condi- .tion de fermeture.20. Installation according to claim 19, characterized in that the access control device comprises two gates (14,114) whose edges are opposite in the closing condition. 21. Installation selon la revendication 19, caractérisée en ce que les bords verticaux externes (15) des portillons (14) sont des arbres montés à rotation.21. Installation according to claim 19, characterized in that the external vertical edges (15) of the gates (14) are shafts mounted for rotation. .22. Installation selon la revendication 21, caractérisée en ce que, de chaque arbre (15) est solidaire un secteur (27) avec au moins une perforation (28) dans laquelle peut s'engager le noyau d'un électro-aimant (29) pour le verrouillage du portillon (14)..22. Installation according to claim 21, characterized in that a sector (27) is attached to each shaft (15) with at least one perforation (28) into which the core of an electromagnet (29) can engage for locking the gate (14). 23. Installation selon la revendication 21 ou 22, caractérisée en ce que les portillons (14,114) sont constamment rappelés vers leur position de fermeture.23. Installation according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that the gates (14,114) are constantly returned to their closed position. 24. Installation selon la revendication 21, caractérisée en ce que le montage d'un portillon (14) à rotation autour d'un axe (15) est à amortissement.24. Installation according to claim 21, characterized in that the mounting of a gate (14) rotating about an axis (15) is damped. 25. Installation selon la revendication 19, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend un moyen pour bloquer le distributeur de tickets (12) aussi longtemps que le portillon (14) n'est pas dans sa condition de fermeture.25. Installation according to claim 19, characterized in that it comprises means for blocking the ticket dispenser (12) as long as the gate (14) is not in its closed condition. 26. Installation selon l'une des revendications 12 à 25, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comporte des moyens de signalisation visuels et/ou sonores (V1,V2,V3) indiquant notamment : la possibilité d'introduire le véhicule dans l'accès; la condition hors service de l'installation; un défaut de fonctionnement. 26. Installation according to one of claims 12 to 25, characterized in that it includes visual and / or audio signaling means (V 1 , V 2 , V 3 ) indicating in particular: the possibility of introducing the vehicle into the access; the out-of-service condition of the installation; a malfunction. 27. Installation selon l'une des revendications 12 à 26, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend un compteur totalisateur avec remise à zéro pour comptabiliser le nombre de tickets distribués.27. Installation according to one of claims 12 to 26, characterized in that it comprises a totalizer counter with reset to account for the number of tickets distributed. 28. Installation selon la revendication 12, caractérisée en ce qu'au moins l'un des moyens de reconnaissance du véhicule comprend un composant choisi dans un groupe comprenant les détecteurs de métaux, les cellules photo-électriques du type à réflexion, fonctionnant avec ou sans réflecteur, et les cellules photo-électriques réceptrices associées à un élément distant émetteur d'un rayonnement de longueur d'onde déterminée.28. Installation according to claim 12, characterized in that at least one of the vehicle recognition means comprises a component chosen from a group comprising metal detectors, photoelectric cells of the reflection type, operating with or without reflector, and the receiving photocells associated with a remote element emitting radiation of determined wavelength. 29. Installation selon la revendication 28, caractérisée en ce que ledit détecteur de métaux (119) est placé sur la barrière ou sur le portillon (114), de façon à être amené sensiblement au contact d'une partie du véhicule (110) quand celui-ci est poussé contre ladite barrière ou ledit portillon.29. Installation according to claim 28, characterized in that said metal detector (119) is placed on the barrier or on the gate (114), so as to be brought substantially into contact with a part of the vehicle (110) when it is pushed against said barrier or said gate. 30. Installation selon la revendication 29, caractérisée en ce que le portillon est du type à deux battants (114), et chaque battant (114) porte un détecteur de métaux (119).30. Installation according to claim 29, characterized in that the gate is of the type with two leaves (114), and each leaf (114) carries a metal detector (119). 31. Installation selon la revendication 28, caractérisée en ce que ladite cellule photo-électrique à réflexion (116) est associée à un réflecteur (117) porté par le véhicule (110) ou monté en un point fixe séparé de la cellule par un espace qu'au moins une partie du véhicule est amenée à traverser.31. Installation according to claim 28, characterized in that said photoelectric reflection cell (116) is associated with a reflector (117) carried by the vehicle (110) or mounted at a fixed point separated from the cell by a space that at least part of the vehicle is caused to cross. 32. Installation selon la revendication 28, caractérisée en ce que ledit véhicule (110) forme le réflecteur associé à ladite cellule photo-électrique (116) du type à réflexion.32. Installation according to claim 28, characterized in that said vehicle (110) forms the reflector associated with said photoelectric cell (116) of the reflection type. 33. Installation selon l'une des revendications 12 à 32, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend, en aval de la barrière ou du portillon, un convoyeur (121,130) de véhicule, commandé par lesdits moyens d'identification à la suite de l'introduction du véhicule (110) dans l'aire de stockage.33. Installation according to one of claims 12 to 32, characterized in that it comprises, downstream of the barrier or the gate, a vehicle conveyor (121,130), controlled by said identification means following the introduction of the vehicle (110) into the storage area. 34. Installation selon la revendication 33, caractérisée en ce que le convoyeur comprend deux courroies latérales (121) à surface extérieure crantée (122), s'étendant de part et d'autre du passage d'introduction du véhicule (110) dans l'aire de stockage, et propres à coopérer par leur surface extérieure crantée avec les parois latérales du véhicule (110) pour entraîner- celui-ci.34. Installation according to claim 33, characterized in that the conveyor comprises two lateral belts (121) with notched outer surface (122), extending on either side of the vehicle insertion passage (110) in the storage area, and adapted to cooperate by their notched outer surface with the side walls of the vehicle (110) to drive it. 35. Installation selon la revendication 34, caractérisée en ce que les deux courroies latérales (121) sont à écartement variable l'une de l'autre, et forment par exemple un chemin d'entrainement se rétrécissant vers son extrémité opposée à l'extrémité d'entrée du véhicule.35. Installation according to claim 34, characterized in that the two lateral belts (121) are of variable spacing from one another, and for example form a drive path narrowing towards its end opposite the end vehicle entry. 36. Installation selon la revendication 33, caractérisée en ce que le convoyeur (130) est du type à chaîne ou courroie présentant sur sa surface extérieure des doigts (136) perpendiculaire-s pour l'entraînement du véhicule (110) par accrochage d'une partie (137) de celui-ci par l'un desdits doigts (136).36. Installation according to claim 33, characterized in that the conveyor (130) is of the chain or belt type having on its outer surface perpendicular fingers (136) for driving the vehicle (110) by hooking a part (137) thereof by one of said fingers (136). 37. Installation selon la revendication 36, caractérisée en ce que le convoyeur (130) est disposé légèrement au-dessus du sol, les doigts (136) étant orientés verticalement pour accrocher une barre transversale inférieure (137) du véhicule (110) quand celui-ci est amené au-dessus de l'extrémité amont du convoyeur (130).37. Installation according to claim 36, characterized in that the conveyor (130) is disposed slightly above the ground, the fingers (136) being oriented vertically to hook a lower crossbar (137) of the vehicle (110) when that -ci is brought above the upstream end of the conveyor (130). 38. Installation selon la revendication 37, caractérisée en ce que le convoyeur (130) est précédé et suivi de plans inclinés (139,140) facilitant l'amenée du véhicule (110) à l'entrée du convoyeur et son évacuation à la sortie du convoyeur.38. Installation according to claim 37, characterized in that the conveyor (130) is preceded and followed by inclined planes (139,140) facilitating the bringing of the vehicle (110) at the entry of the conveyor and its evacuation at the exit of the conveyor .
EP80401278A 1979-09-12 1980-09-05 Method and arrangement for encouraging the return of a rolling vehicle, such as a supermarket shopping trolley Expired EP0025754B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT80401278T ATE3915T1 (en) 1979-09-12 1980-09-05 METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONVEYING THE RETURN OF A ROLLING VEHICLE SUCH AS A SHOPPING CART IN A SUPERMARKET.

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR7922835A FR2465279A1 (en) 1979-09-12 1979-09-12 Supermarket trolley return incentive system - verifies identity of trolley and issuing privilege ticket to user
FR7922835 1979-09-12
FR8013884 1980-06-23
FR8013884A FR2485232B2 (en) 1980-06-23 1980-06-23 INSTALLATION TO ENCOURAGE THE RETURN OF TROLLEYS IN A SUPERMARKET

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0025754A1 true EP0025754A1 (en) 1981-03-25
EP0025754B1 EP0025754B1 (en) 1983-06-22

Family

ID=26221345

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP80401278A Expired EP0025754B1 (en) 1979-09-12 1980-09-05 Method and arrangement for encouraging the return of a rolling vehicle, such as a supermarket shopping trolley

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0025754B1 (en)
DE (1) DE3063903D1 (en)
ES (1) ES494969A0 (en)
NO (1) NO155640C (en)

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0077690A1 (en) * 1981-10-21 1983-04-27 Bydale Engineering Limited Improvements in control systems for hand propelled vehicles
FR2529001A1 (en) * 1982-06-21 1983-12-23 Supermarket System DEVICE FOR ENCOURAGING THE RETURN OF VEHICLES SUCH AS ROLLER TROLLEYS
EP0185017A1 (en) * 1983-09-01 1986-06-25 Chemical And Power Associates Pty. Limited Receiving and acknowledging the return of a trolley at a check-in point
DE3621548A1 (en) * 1986-06-27 1988-01-07 Wanzl Kg Rudolf Shopping trolley park entry arrangement - has blocking part pivoting about horizontal axis which locks in lowest position to prevent withdrawal of trolley
US6415262B1 (en) 1997-07-08 2002-07-02 Walker Digital, Llc Method and apparatus for determining a subscription to a product in a retail environment
US6486768B1 (en) 1998-09-16 2002-11-26 Carttronics, Llc Cart return loyalty credit system
US6687679B1 (en) 1998-03-27 2004-02-03 Walker Digital, Llc Method and apparatus for determining a progressive discount for a customer based on the frequency of the customer's transactions
US7251617B1 (en) 1998-12-28 2007-07-31 Walker Digital, Llc Method and apparatus for managing subscriptions
CN109441331A (en) * 2018-11-01 2019-03-08 杨海渊 A kind of current device of gate for intelligent building

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3546577A1 (en) * 1985-12-20 1987-11-12 Wanzl Kg Rudolf Device for receiving and providing transporting trolleys, especially shopping trolleys
DE3545307A1 (en) * 1985-12-20 1987-06-25 Wanzl Kg Rudolf Device for receiving and providing transporting trolleys, in particular shopping trolleys
WO1999050733A2 (en) 1998-03-27 1999-10-07 Walker Digital, Llc System and method for tracking and establishing a progressive discount based upon a customer's visits to a retail establishment

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US3754630A (en) * 1972-03-13 1973-08-28 D Gilker Shopping cart receiving means
US3837455A (en) * 1972-10-10 1974-09-24 A Hurt System and method for customer return of merchandise carts
US3882982A (en) * 1969-03-07 1975-05-13 Cara Charles Method and apparatus for encouraging return of shopping carts
US3938638A (en) * 1973-12-17 1976-02-17 Franklin Electric Subsidiaries, Inc. Apparatus for receiving and acknowledging the return of a vehicle at a check-in station
US3978959A (en) * 1973-07-19 1976-09-07 Smarte Carte, Inc. Dispensing system for wheeled vehicles

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US3882982A (en) * 1969-03-07 1975-05-13 Cara Charles Method and apparatus for encouraging return of shopping carts
US3754630A (en) * 1972-03-13 1973-08-28 D Gilker Shopping cart receiving means
US3837455A (en) * 1972-10-10 1974-09-24 A Hurt System and method for customer return of merchandise carts
US3978959A (en) * 1973-07-19 1976-09-07 Smarte Carte, Inc. Dispensing system for wheeled vehicles
US3938638A (en) * 1973-12-17 1976-02-17 Franklin Electric Subsidiaries, Inc. Apparatus for receiving and acknowledging the return of a vehicle at a check-in station

Cited By (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0077690A1 (en) * 1981-10-21 1983-04-27 Bydale Engineering Limited Improvements in control systems for hand propelled vehicles
FR2529001A1 (en) * 1982-06-21 1983-12-23 Supermarket System DEVICE FOR ENCOURAGING THE RETURN OF VEHICLES SUCH AS ROLLER TROLLEYS
GB2122792A (en) * 1982-06-21 1984-01-18 Supermarket System System for encouraging the return of vehicles such as trollies
EP0185017A1 (en) * 1983-09-01 1986-06-25 Chemical And Power Associates Pty. Limited Receiving and acknowledging the return of a trolley at a check-in point
EP0185017A4 (en) * 1983-09-01 1987-09-02 Chemical & Power Ass Pty Ltd Receiving and acknowledging the return of a trolley at a check-in point
DE3621548A1 (en) * 1986-06-27 1988-01-07 Wanzl Kg Rudolf Shopping trolley park entry arrangement - has blocking part pivoting about horizontal axis which locks in lowest position to prevent withdrawal of trolley
US6415262B1 (en) 1997-07-08 2002-07-02 Walker Digital, Llc Method and apparatus for determining a subscription to a product in a retail environment
US6687679B1 (en) 1998-03-27 2004-02-03 Walker Digital, Llc Method and apparatus for determining a progressive discount for a customer based on the frequency of the customer's transactions
US7240021B1 (en) 1998-03-27 2007-07-03 Walker Digital, Llc System and method for tracking and establishing a progressive discount based upon a customer's visits to a retail establishment
US6486768B1 (en) 1998-09-16 2002-11-26 Carttronics, Llc Cart return loyalty credit system
US7251617B1 (en) 1998-12-28 2007-07-31 Walker Digital, Llc Method and apparatus for managing subscriptions
US8121899B2 (en) 1998-12-28 2012-02-21 Walker Digital, Llc Method and apparatus for managing subscriptions
US8285591B2 (en) 1998-12-28 2012-10-09 Walker Digital, Llc Method and apparatus for managing subscriptions
US8818869B2 (en) 1998-12-28 2014-08-26 Inventor Holdings, Llc Method and apparatus for managing subscriptions
CN109441331A (en) * 2018-11-01 2019-03-08 杨海渊 A kind of current device of gate for intelligent building
CN109441331B (en) * 2018-11-01 2020-01-14 深圳市卡卓无线信息技术有限公司 Gate passing device for intelligent building

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NO802704L (en) 1981-03-13
ES8204195A1 (en) 1982-04-16
DE3063903D1 (en) 1983-07-28
ES494969A0 (en) 1982-04-16
NO155640B (en) 1987-01-19
NO155640C (en) 1987-05-06
EP0025754B1 (en) 1983-06-22

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